Texas Senate Bill SB1028

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to a periodic review of local government programs that award economic development incentives to business entities.

Impact

If enacted, SB1028 would have a significant influence on how local government programs operate regarding economic incentives. The bill mandates local governments to provide necessary information to a designated board, thereby promoting transparency and accountability. The reviews aimed at assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of these programs may lead to changes in how local governments allocate incentives, potentially altering the dynamics of local economic development strategies.

Summary

Senate Bill 1028 proposes to establish a periodic review process for local government programs that provide economic development incentives to business entities. Specifically, the bill amends the Government Code to enhance the oversight and evaluation of monetary and tax incentives granted by local governments. This involves the creation of a performance matrix that sets out clear economic performance indicators to guide the evaluations of these incentive programs.

Contention

The introduction of SB1028 may raise points of contention, especially around the balance of state oversight versus local control. While proponents argue that oversight will enhance fiscal responsibility and ensure that taxpayer money is spent effectively, critics may view this as an encroachment on local authority to make decisions suited to their communities. The debate will likely focus on whether these reviews will truly benefit local economies or result in unnecessary bureaucracy that stifles local initiative.