Relating to the exemption of school district property from certain infrastructure fees charged for the control of excess water or storm water.
Impact
The implementation of HB 960 is expected to provide significant financial relief to school districts across Texas. By exempting school districts from these infrastructure fees, the law aims to redirect funds towards educational resources and facilities instead of storm water management charges. This exemption is crucial for districts operating under tight budgets, enabling them to allocate more resources towards student learning and campus improvement rather than local government fees.
Summary
House Bill 960 seeks to exempt school district property from certain infrastructure fees that are charged for the management and control of excess water or storm water. This bill specifically targets fees imposed by counties, municipalities, or utility districts and aims to alleviate the financial burden on educational institutions concerning these infrastructure costs. It reinforces the existing exemption for state agencies and public institutions of higher education while making specific provisions for school districts as well.
Contention
Some points of contention surrounding HB 960 may arise from local governments, particularly municipalities and utility districts, that rely on these fees for their storm water management programs. Although the bill offers exemptions, those entities might argue that such financial relief could impact their budgets and capabilities to manage water-related infrastructure effectively. The balance between supporting school districts and sustaining municipal operations could create debates on the bill's broader regional impact.
Relating to the creation of the Montgomery County Water Control and Improvement District No. 6; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the conversion of the Legacy Water Control and Improvement District to the Legacy Municipal Management District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the elimination of certain property taxes for school district maintenance and operations and the provision of public education funding by increasing the rates of certain state taxes.
Relating to the duty of a school district to enter into an ad valorem tax abatement agreement under the Property Redevelopment and Tax Abatement Act for certain property.