Texas Senate Bill SB2047

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the creation, territory, and operation of municipal management districts and public improvement districts.

Impact

The bill significantly modifies existing statutes in the Local Government Code, particularly Sections 375.022 and 375.025, which provide guidelines on the creation and operation of such districts. Notably, it prohibits the creation of a district if a substantially similar district was attempted within the last ten years. This provision aims to prevent redundancy and protect against overlapping jurisdictions. Furthermore, it excludes single-family residential properties from being included in new districts created after September 1, 2017, thereby focusing on commercial and mixed-use developments instead.

Summary

Senate Bill 2047 aims to enhance the framework surrounding municipal management districts and public improvement districts in Texas. This legislation is primarily focused on establishing clearer criteria for the creation, operation, and governance of these districts. Key provisions include specific requirements on how to describe the boundaries of the proposed district, which must now be defined using recognized geographic markers or legal descriptions. Additionally, it requires the submission of a petition that demonstrates the public necessity for the district's services and projects, ensuring a more transparent process for stakeholders involved.

Contention

Potential points of contention surrounding SB2047 could arise from the implications of its stricter requirements for creating new districts, which some local governments may view as an unnecessary limitation on their autonomy. Critics might argue that the bill could hinder local initiatives by making it more challenging to establish districts that serve specific community needs or economic development goals. On the other hand, supporters may contend that these changes are necessary to streamline district governance and ensure that only those districts which can truly benefit the public get established.