Texas House Bill HB1730

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/16/09
• Voted on by House: 5/5/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/22/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/29/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to authorizing the issuance of bonds for the reimbursement of the cost of public improvements located in public improvement districts in certain counties.

Impact

The bill modifies Chapter 372 of the Local Government Code by adding provisions that enable municipal and county governing bodies to issue general obligation bonds or revenue bonds. These financial instruments would be used to reimburse developers for the costs of public improvements that are dedicated to and accepted by the municipality or county. This change aims to facilitate the development of essential public infrastructure in less populated areas near larger urban centers, potentially directing investment towards communities that may not benefit from typical funding processes.

Summary

House Bill 1730 authorizes the issuance of bonds for the reimbursement of costs associated with public improvements located in designated public improvement districts within certain counties. The bill specifically targets counties that have no municipalities exceeding a population of 50,000 and are adjacent to at least two counties, each with a population over one million. This tailored approach allows for targeted infrastructure funding in areas that may otherwise struggle to finance public improvements through traditional means.

Contention

While proponents of HB 1730 argue that it enhances the capabilities of local governments to fund necessary public improvements and stimulates economic growth, there may be concerns regarding accountability and the prioritization of development funding. Critics might raise issues around the potential for excessive debt burdens on local governments and the implications of private developers receiving reimbursements, which could lead to disputes over the appropriateness and necessity of specific improvements funded through public resources.