Texas Senate Bill SB1877

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/29/11
• Refer: 3/24/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/5/11
• Report Pass: 4/29/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/20/11
• Engrossed: 5/5/11
• Voted on by House: 5/25/11
• Refer: 5/9/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Report Pass: 5/17/11
• Introduced: 5/20/11
• Enrolled: 5/26/11

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Oatman Hill Municipal Utility District; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds; granting a limited power of eminent domain.

Impact

The bill is designed to enhance local governance by facilitating the creation of municipal utility districts, ultimately aimed at improving infrastructural capabilities. By granting the Oatman Hill District the authority to levy taxes and issue bonds without requiring further municipal consent, it allows for a more streamlined approach to managing the district's financial resources. This could potentially expedite development projects within the district, while still adhering to state regulations and safeguards.

Summary

SB1877 pertains to the establishment of the Oatman Hill Municipal Utility District, which provides guidelines for its creation, governance, and operational authorities. This legislation allows the district to impose taxes and issue bonds, essentially providing it with the financial means to develop and maintain infrastructure projects such as roads and storm drainage systems. This is particularly essential for communities that require expansion of utility services and improved transportation networks.

Contention

One notable aspect of SB1877 is the limitation on the district's power of eminent domain, specifically stating that the district may not exercise this power outside its boundaries. This constraint could be a point of contention, as it highlights the balance between necessary infrastructure development and the rights of property owners. Critics of such provisions may argue that limiting eminent domain could hinder the district's ability to effectively carry out extensive infrastructure projects that may require land outside its jurisdiction.