TX
Texas Senate Bill SB1071

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1071

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 532; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds; granting a limited power of eminent domain.

Impact

The creation of this district is expected to have significant implications for local development initiatives in Harris County. By enabling the district to impose taxes and issue bonds, the legislation opens avenues for funding various public services including water supply, sewage, and storm drainage systems. Additionally, the authority to exercise eminent domain would empower the district to secure necessary land for infrastructure, thus potentially accelerating development plans that benefit the community. This new setup aims to bolster municipal services and enhance living conditions for residents within the district's jurisdiction.

Summary

SB1071 relates to the establishment of the Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 532. This bill provides the district with the authority to impose taxes and issue bonds for financing various district projects. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for the district to exercise a limited power of eminent domain, which permits them to acquire private property for public use under specified circumstances. The bill aims to facilitate infrastructure development and maintenance within the district, particularly focusing on utilities and road improvements.

Contention

While the bill aims at fostering growth and improving public utilities, the inclusion of eminent domain powers has raised concerns among critics. Opponents argue that allowing a municipal utility district to wield such power could lead to potential abuses, affecting homeowners and local businesses negatively. The possibility that landowners could lose their property for what may be perceived as insufficiently justified public projects is a point of contention. Balancing community needs with personal property rights will likely be a significant discussion point as the bill progresses.

Latest SB1071 Activity

Companion Bills

TX HB2214

Very Similar Relating to the creation of the Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 532; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

Similar Bills

TX HB5362

Relating to the creation of the Waller County Municipal Utility District No. 57; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

TX SB1116

Relating to the creation, administration, powers, duties, functions, operations, and financing of the Crystal Clear Special Utility District; providing authority to issue bonds; granting a limited power of eminent domain.

TX HB2214

Relating to the creation of the Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 532; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

TX SB956

Relating to the creation of the Northern Dallam County Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to impose a tax and issue bonds.

TX SB2057

Relating to the creation of the Double R Municipal Utility Districts Nos. 1 and 2 of Hunt County; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.