Texas House Bill HB3864

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 184; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

Impact

The creation of Municipal Utility District No. 184 is anticipated to facilitate urban development in Fort Bend County by allowing for improved infrastructure, particularly concerning road construction and drainage systems. This legislation directly impacts local governance and will help accommodate growth in population and housing by enabling the district to fund essential public services through bond issuance and taxation. Additionally, the district's activities will align with state constitutional provisions governing municipal utility districts, reinforcing the framework within which these entities operate.

Summary

House Bill 3864 establishes the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 184, with the primary objective of providing municipal utility services within a delineated territory specified in the bill. The district is empowered to issue bonds, impose assessments and taxes, and is granted limited power of eminent domain, subject to certain conditions. It aims to ensure the provision of essential services such as water, sewage, and drainage, which are critical for the development and sustainability of the area designated for district services.

Contention

Despite the intended benefits, the bill's provision for the power of eminent domain has raised concerns among local residents and advocacy groups who worry about potential overreach or misuse of this power. Critics argue that such authority could lead to the displacement of property owners and alterations to community landscapes without adequate justification or compensation. The necessity of local consent before the establishment of the district is also seen as a point of contention, reflecting differing views on how public utilities should be managed and governed in fast-growing areas.