Texas House Bill HB2022

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/2/09
• 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 the powers and duties of the Sedona Lakes Municipal Utility District No. 1 of Brazoria County; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds; granting a limited power of eminent domain.

Impact

The enactment of HB2022 is significant as it grants urban utility districts enhanced powers typically reserved for local governments. This includes the ability to issue bonds, collect taxes, and engage in eminent domain for specific projects. The bill is structured to create a specific framework under which local utility districts can operate, increasing their operational scope in terms of infrastructure development and maintenance, particularly for roadworks and other essential services.

Summary

House Bill 2022 establishes the Sedona Lakes Municipal Utility District No. 1 in Brazoria County, detailing its powers, duties, and financial provisions. This bill allows the district to impose taxes, particularly for the purpose of paying off bonds issued to finance various infrastructure projects, including roads. The provisions for tax imposition are designed to ensure that the district can sustain itself financially while facilitating necessary public works that reflect community needs.

Contention

One notable point of contention that may arise from HB2022 is the limited power of eminent domain, which is outlined in the bill. Although it allows for the acquisition of easements for road projects, the stipulation that the district cannot exercise eminent domain outside its boundaries is a protective measure that aims to limit overreach. Critics of such measures may argue that this restriction could hinder the district's ability to manage wider regional needs effectively, potentially leading to challenges in coordinating infrastructure development across jurisdictional lines.