Texas House Bill HB4737

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/28/09
• Voted on by House: 5/18/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/22/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/28/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Lake Texoma Municipal Utility District No. 1; providing authority to impose a tax or assessment and issue bonds; granting a limited power of eminent domain.

Impact

The creation of the Lake Texoma Municipal Utility District is set to alter the landscape of utility management in the region, especially regarding infrastructure development and service provision. The district will serve as an administrative body that can levy taxes and issue bonds necessary for funding infrastructure projects such as roads and utilities. By providing financial tools, this bill will foster improvements that could enhance economic development and residential satisfaction in the surrounding areas.

Summary

House Bill 4737 establishes the Lake Texoma Municipal Utility District No. 1, providing it with the authority to impose taxes and issue bonds. The bill delineates the governance of the district, which will be overseen by a board of directors, with initial directors appointed until permanent ones are elected. The district is intended to improve utility services in the area, promoting public benefit and complying with Texas constitutional requirements regarding municipal utility districts.

Contention

There may be potential points of contention surrounding the powers granted to the district, particularly in relation to its authority to impose taxes and utilize eminent domain for public projects. Critics could argue about the implications of such powers on property rights and the responsibilities the district would have in managing the public funds raised through these taxes. The need for an effective balancing act between local governance and the district's authority will likely be a topic of discussion in legislative and community forums.