87R11691 SMT-F By: Cyrier H.B. No. 4423 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the projects that may be undertaken by a public improvement district. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 372.003, Local Government Code, is amended by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsection (b-2) to read as follows: (b) A public improvement project may include: (1) landscaping; (2) erection of fountains, distinctive lighting, and signs; (3) acquiring, constructing, improving, widening, narrowing, closing, or rerouting of sidewalks or of streets, any other roadways, or their rights-of-way; (4) construction or improvement of pedestrian malls; (5) acquisition and installation of pieces of art; (6) acquisition, construction, or improvement of libraries; (7) acquisition, construction, or improvement of off-street parking facilities; (8) acquisition, construction, improvement, or rerouting of mass transportation facilities; (9) acquisition, construction, or improvement of water, geothermal water conveyance, wastewater, or drainage facilities or improvements; (10) the establishment or improvement of parks; (11) projects similar to those listed in Subdivisions (1)-(10); (12) acquisition, by purchase or otherwise, of real property, including a right-of-way or easement, in connection with an authorized improvement; (13) special supplemental services for improvement and promotion of the district, including services relating to advertising, promotion, health and sanitation, water and wastewater, public safety, security, business recruitment, development, recreation, and cultural enhancement; (14) payment of expenses incurred in the establishment, administration, and operation of the district; and (15) the development, rehabilitation, or expansion of affordable housing. (b-2) Payment of expenses under Subsection (b)(9) may also include expenses related to the operation and maintenance of a geothermal water conveyance facility or improvement. SECTION 2. Section 372.023(a), Local Government Code, is amended to read as follows: (a) Costs of improvements may be paid or reimbursed by any combination of the methods described by this section if the improvements are dedicated, conveyed, leased, or otherwise provided to or for the benefit of: (1) a municipality or county; (2) a political subdivision or other entity exercising the powers granted under this subchapter as authorized by other law; [or] (3) an entity that: (A) is approved by the governing body of an entity described by Subdivision (1) or (2); and (B) is authorized by order, ordinance, resolution, or other official action to act for an entity described by Subdivision (1) or (2); or (4) an entity subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the Public Utility Commission of Texas. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.