Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1343

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to public access to financial and tax rate information of certain special purpose districts.

Impact

The enactment of HB1343 will result in substantial changes to how special purpose districts are required to report their financial activities. It mandates that they submit annual records and information about their operations to the state comptroller. This initiative aims to ensure comprehensive and timely reporting of financial data, thereby allowing the public to make informed evaluations regarding the fiscal management of these districts. Moreover, the legislation seeks to empower taxpayers by providing them with direct access to information that was previously less accessible.

Summary

House Bill 1343 aims to enhance public access to financial and tax rate information regarding special purpose districts in Texas. The bill mandates the creation of a Special Purpose District Public Information Database that will be accessible online. The database is intended to provide crucial details about each active special purpose district, including names of board members, contact information, and financial data such as annual revenues and tax rates. By making this information publicly available, the bill seeks to improve the transparency and accountability of these districts, which often have significant financial authority within their designated areas.

Contention

While the bill is designed to improve transparency and accountability, it may face some contention from local governments and special purpose districts that find the requirements burdensome. Some may argue that the annual reporting duties could impose additional administrative responsibilities on districts that serve various public interests. The bill could also raise concerns about privacy, as detailed financial disclosures and personal information about board members and staff will be publicly accessible. Proponents of the bill, however, argue that the benefits of increased transparency far outweigh the potential negatives, framing it as a necessary step toward responsible governance.

Companion Bills

TX SB625

Identical Relating to public access to financial and tax rate information of certain special purpose districts; imposing a civil penalty.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2436

Relating to the sale of bonds by certain special purpose districts.

TX SB2206

Relating to the sale of bonds by certain special purpose districts.

TX HB38

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.

TX HB4123

Relating to access to and use of certain criminal history record information.

TX SB1814

Relating to the current debt rate and tax rate of a taxing unit for ad valorem tax purposes.

TX HB2816

Relating to notice provided to purchasers of property and information filed with the county clerk by certain special districts.

TX HB3661

Relating to the collection and publication of information regarding the use of environmental, social, or governance scores by certain financial institutions.

TX SB1319

Relating to the reporting of certain overdose information and the mapping of overdoses for public safety purposes.

TX HB3844

Relating to certain procedural requirements for public improvement districts and transfers of property located in public improvement districts.

TX SB1958

Relating to certain procedural requirements for public improvement districts and transfers of property located in public improvement districts.

Similar Bills

TX HB8

Relating to certain studies and reviews of appraisal districts conducted by the comptroller of public accounts.

TX HB3097

Relating to the responsibilities of the comptroller and school districts in the implementation of the Texas Economic Development Act.

TX HB269

Relating to the Texas Economic Development Act.

TX HB3015

Relating to the Texas Economic Development Act.

TX HB3125

Relating to abolishing the property tax assistance division of the office of the comptroller of public accounts and transferring its powers and duties to the newly created State Property Tax Board.

TX SB1215

Relating to a study of the feasibility and benefits to this state of abolishing the property tax assistance division of the office of the comptroller of public accounts and transferring its powers and duties to an independent agency.

TX HB3891

Relating to public access to boundary, financial, and tax rate information of certain special purpose districts.

TX SB20

Relating to ad valorem taxation.