Texas House Bill HB271

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Filed: 11/17/08
• Out of House Committee: 3/10/09
• Voted on by House: 3/31/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/6/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/14/09
• Governor Action: 5/30/09
• Enrolled: 5/20/09
• Passed: 5/30/09

Caption

Relating to the designation of enterprise projects during a biennium.

Impact

Should HB271 be enacted, it will directly influence the designation process under Section 2303.406 of the Government Code. The increase in the cap on enterprise projects for larger municipalities indicates a recognition of the potential for greater economic activity in more populated areas. The bill reflects the state’s efforts to ensure that economic development incentives are effectively utilized by providing more opportunities for larger municipalities to attract viable projects that would stimulate their economies.

Summary

House Bill 271 seeks to modify the designation process of enterprise projects during a biennium by adjusting the maximum number of enterprise projects that can be designated by governing bodies based on their populations. For municipalities or counties with a population of less than 250,000, the bill permits a maximum of six enterprise projects, while for those with a population of 250,000 or more, the ceiling is raised to nine. This adjustment aims to enhance the opportunity for larger municipalities to attract enterprise projects that could bolster local economic development.

Contention

While the bill primarily serves to facilitate economic growth through increased designations of enterprise projects, it may also bring about concerns regarding the equitable distribution of resources. Smaller populations might argue that limiting their capacity to designate projects could hinder local initiatives compared to larger municipalities. Laws or policies favoring larger cities over smaller ones can lead to disparities in economic growth and opportunity, potentially provoking discussions about regional equity and support for less populated areas.