Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2134

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

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Trinity Lakes Municipal Utility District of Montgomery County; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

Impact

The creation of the Trinity Lakes Municipal Utility District is set to have a considerable impact on local land management and infrastructure development. By granting the authority to issue bonds and impose taxes, the bill provides a mechanism for funding essential services and construction projects. This district will be crucial for managing public resources effectively and addressing the needs of a growing population in the region. It will also serve to streamline processes associated with public utility services and eliminate some bureaucratic overhead by creating a dedicated district to handle these matters.

Summary

House Bill 2134 focuses on the establishment of the Trinity Lakes Municipal Utility District within Montgomery County. The legislation allows for the creation of a municipal utility district that is tasked with providing services such as infrastructure, including roads and storm drainage systems. It empowers the district to have limited eminent domain authority, issue bonds, and impose assessments, fees, and taxes necessary for its operational purposes. This bill marks a significant step toward enhancing local infrastructure capabilities, which is often a pivotal issue in rapidly developing areas.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 2134 appears supportive, particularly among stakeholders focused on improved local infrastructure and utility management. Proponents emphasize the importance of having a structured approach towards utility services in Montgomery County, which will help in efficiently managing resources and catering to the needs of residents and businesses. However, there may be concerns regarding the eminent domain provisions, as these can be contentious in terms of property rights and local control.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 2134 include the powers granted under the limited eminent domain authority. While proponents argue that this is necessary for the effective creation and maintenance of public utilities, opponents may express concerns over potential overreach and the implications for property owners within the district. The balance between public service needs and individual property rights will be a critical aspect of ongoing discussions as the bill moves through the legislative process and beyond.

Companion Bills

TX SB996

Identical Relating to the creation of the Trinity Lakes Municipal Utility District of Montgomery County; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

Similar Bills

TX HB3924

Relating to the creation of the Comal Trinity Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, or surcharges.

TX HB2640

Relating to the creation of the Western Travis County Groundwater Conservation District; providing general law authority to issue bonds and exercise the power of eminent domain; providing general law authority to impose assessments, fees, surcharges, or taxes.

TX SB1360

Relating to the creation of the Aransas County Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to issue bonds and impose a tax; providing general law authority to impose fees and surcharges.

TX HB4207

Relating to the creation of the Aransas County Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to issue bonds and impose a tax; providing general law authority to impose fees and surcharges.

TX HB4038

Relating to the creation of the Western Travis County Groundwater Conservation District; providing general law authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose fees.

TX HB922

Relating to the creation of the Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose fees.

TX HB4743

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

TX HR2622

Suspending limitations on conference committee jurisdiction, H.B. No. 4345.