Texas Senate Bill SB1833

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/22/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/7/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/18/09
• Voted on by House: 5/26/09

Caption

Relating to county participation in the enterprise zone program.

Impact

The bill is expected to have a considerable impact on local economic development initiatives. By redefining how 'qualified hotel projects' are identified and what benefits can be extended to them, SB1833 facilitates financial incentives for counties looking to attract investments in hospitality and related sectors. This approach aims to boost jobs, increase local revenues through tourism, and generally improve the economic landscape of participating counties.

Summary

SB1833 is a legislative bill aimed at enhancing county participation in the enterprise zone program within the state of Texas. The bill specifically modifies certain definitions and provisions related to what constitutes a 'qualified hotel project.' It targets hotel constructions near major convention centers in large municipalities, permitting these projects to qualify for specific benefits under the enterprise zone program. The intent is to stimulate local economies by encouraging the development of infrastructure that supports tourism and commerce in areas with significant visitor traffic.

Contention

While the bill appears to take steps to foster regional growth and development, it may also generate discussions around the implications of local versus state governance in economic policy. Some stakeholders may argue that the prioritization of hotel projects near convention centers could lead to uneven resource distribution, favoring urban over rural areas. Additionally, concerns may arise regarding the sustainability of incentivizing such developments, especially in light of local priorities and needs that fall outside the tourism sector.