Texas House Bill HB707

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 1/18/11
• Out of House Committee: 4/6/11
• Voted on by House: 4/27/11
• Refer: 2/21/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/19/11
• Report Pass: 3/30/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/20/11
• Engrossed: 4/27/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 5/2/11
• Report Pass: 5/19/11
• Enrolled: 5/23/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the validation of certain governmental acts and proceedings of certain municipalities relating to certain public improvement districts.

Impact

The enactment of HB 707 would significantly affect how municipalities with smaller populations can operate concerning public improvement districts. By validating past actions that might otherwise be challenged, the bill enhances the legal framework for local governance. This, in turn, allows municipalities to move forward with planned improvements or projects without fear of legal repercussions stemming from procedural issues. It effectively stabilizes the legal environment for smaller towns that rely on such districts for funding local improvements.

Summary

House Bill 707 focuses on the validation of governmental acts and proceedings undertaken by municipalities with a population of 500 or less, as per the 2000 federal census. The bill is aimed at clarifying the status of various actions taken prior to its enactment, including the establishment of public improvement districts and the levying of assessments for financing improvements. This legislation seeks to ensure that these governmental actions are recognized as valid, thereby providing legal certainty to municipalities that have conducted such acts.

Contention

While the bill aims to eliminate uncertainties around governmental processes in small municipalities, it also presents points of contention. Critics may argue that validating prior governmental actions without thorough scrutiny could lead to the approval of potentially flawed or non-compliant projects. Additionally, since the bill specifically applies to municipalities of a defined size, there may be concerns about fairness and equity, as larger municipalities are not afforded the same validation process. Thus, while the bill promotes operational efficiency, it may also draw debate regarding equity in local governance.