Texas Senate Bill SB1068

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 212; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds; granting a limited power of eminent domain.

Impact

The bill facilitates the creation of a governing board composed of five elected directors, responsible for overseeing district operations and expenditures. The board will also hold elections to confirm the district's creation and implement financing through bonds, which are necessary for supporting infrastructure projects. An essential aspect of this legislation is the provision that requires the temporary directors to seek the consent of the municipalities within which the district operates, ensuring that local governance remains involved in the district's affairs.

Summary

SB1068 aims to establish the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 212, which will have the authority to impose taxes and issue bonds. The creation of this district is intended to serve public needs related to the provision of municipal utilities, including the maintenance and development of infrastructure such as roads and storm drainage systems. The district will operate under the regulations outlined in Chapter 8445 of the Special District Local Laws Code, making it a legally recognized entity capable of managing specific local utilities and services.

Contention

One significant point of contention within the discussions of SB1068 involves the limited power of eminent domain granted to the district. Provisions exist to prevent the district from exercising eminent domain unless a two-thirds vote is attained in both houses of the legislature. This clause aims to protect property owners from potential overreach by the district while still allowing for some levels of infrastructure development under strict oversight.

Further_details

The legislation also includes stipulations regarding the boundaries of the district and the procedures for tax imposition, ensuring that voters within the district can have a direct say in any tax-related decisions or bond issuances. Overall, SB1068 establishes a framework for local governance of utility services while balancing the need for growth and development in Fort Bend County.