Texas House Bill HB2619

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 3/5/09
• Out of House Committee: 4/17/09
• Voted on by House: 4/24/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/21/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/26/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/31/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of certain local laws concerning special districts, including conforming amendments.

Impact

The passage of HB 2619 would maintain existing local governance structures, particularly for special districts. It would codify definitions, establish authority for creation, and stipulate the management responsibilities of these districts without altering their jurisdictional boundaries. Consequently, this bill is expected to provide clarity for local officials and facilitate better administration in areas such as healthcare services and emergency medical response, which often fall under the purview of special districts.

Summary

House Bill 2619 proposes a nonsubstantive revision of local laws governing special districts in Texas, including various conforming amendments. The bill aims to streamline existing statutes by eliminating outdated language and consolidating provisions into a more organized structure. It focuses on local laws that manage the operations and responsibilities of special districts, with an emphasis on groundwater conservation districts. This revision is intended to clarify the legal framework surrounding these entities while ensuring no substantive changes to their powers or functions.

Contention

While HB 2619 presents an organized approach to revising special district laws, stakeholders may still raise concerns regarding the implications of its amendments. For instance, local government representatives could debate the degree of autonomy retained by special districts after the revisions. If local laws are consolidated under more state-centric regulations, this could unintentionally limit localized decision-making capabilities. Such potential consequences could fuel discussions about the adequacy of representation and the interests of local communities within the framework of the newly revised statutes.