Relating to addition of certain municipalities to the territory of a regional transportation authority.
Impact
The bill modifies Section 452.6025 of the Transportation Code by enabling municipalities that do not currently belong to a regional authority to be integrated into one if certain criteria are met. This includes the requirement for community approval through a voting process. The added municipalities would then have their sales and use tax adjusted to fit the broader authority's framework, aiming at promoting better transportation services through collaborative governance.
Summary
SB1461 aims to expand the territory of regional transportation authorities by allowing certain municipalities to be added through an election process. This bill specifically targets municipalities that levy a special sales and use tax and sets forth the conditions under which these municipalities can join an existing authority. The intention is to streamline transportation services and create more cohesive regional transportation planning.
Contention
Some concerns surrounding SB1461 involve how this could affect local taxation and governance. Critics argue that while it seeks to improve transportation services, it might inadvertently limit the authority of local governments to manage their own tax rates and fiscal policies. The need for a majority vote within municipalities to approve changes is seen as a double-edged sword, potentially confusing constituents who may not fully understand the implications of the authority's sales tax interventions.
Relating to conditions imposed on an emergency services district that includes territory in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of certain municipalities.
Relating to the creation of the Cross Timbers Regional Utility Authority; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments and fees.
Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to authorize and finance certain venue projects and to use municipal hotel occupancy tax revenue for certain of those projects; authorizing the imposition of a tax.
Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to authorize and finance certain venue projects and to use municipal hotel occupancy tax revenue for certain of those projects; authorizing the imposition of a tax.
Relating to conditions imposed on an emergency services district that includes territory in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of certain municipalities.
Provides that private passenger automobile insurance rating territories shall not place exposure in territory based on ZIP code under certain circumstances.
Provides that private passenger automobile insurance rating territories shall not place exposure in territory based on ZIP code under certain circumstances.