Relating to requiring the election of the governing body of a taxing entity.
Impact
If enacted, HB5018 will significantly influence local governance in Texas by altering how governing bodies of taxing entities operate. The bill will replace appointed positions with elected ones, potentially fostering greater public trust and participation in local government. This shift could lead to more responsive governance, where the interests of the taxpayers are more clearly represented and prioritized by elected officials.
Summary
House Bill 5018 aims to mandate that the governing bodies of all taxing entities, including various governmental entities and political subdivisions, be elected. The bill seeks to enhance democratic accountability by ensuring that those who make decisions about tax imposition are chosen directly by the electorate, rather than appointed by other officials such as the governor. This is intended to give more power to citizens in deciding who governs these taxing authorities.
Contention
Significant points of contention may arise surrounding HB5018, particularly regarding the effectiveness and feasibility of such a change. Critics may argue that the bill could complicate governance within taxing entities, especially if the election process becomes politicized or if elected officials fail to have the requisite expertise in taxation matters. Additionally, concerns might be raised about the potential for increased electoral competition leading to instability in governance, which could impact decision-making on taxation and funding for public services.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Local Government Code
Chapter 180. Miscellaneous Provisions Affecting Officers And Employees Of More Than One Type Of Local Government
Relating to the effect of an election at which the voters fail to approve or vote to reduce the ad valorem tax rate adopted by the governing body of a taxing unit.
Relating to the authority of the governing body of a taxing unit to adopt an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion, expressed as a dollar amount, of the appraised value of an individual's residence homestead.
Relating to requiring the posting of certain information on an open-enrollment charter school's Internet website regarding the school's governing body.
Relating to the authority of the governing body of a taxing unit other than a school district to adopt an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion, expressed as a dollar amount, of the appraised value of an individual's residence homestead and to the authority of the governing body of any taxing unit that has adopted an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a percentage of the appraised value of an individual's residence homestead to reduce the amount of or repeal the exemption.
Relating to the authority of the governing body of a school district to adopt an ad valorem tax rate that exceeds the district's voter-approval tax rate.
Relating to the authority of the governing body of a school district to adopt an ad valorem tax rate that exceeds the district's voter-approval tax rate.
Relating to the fiduciary responsibility of the governing body of the public retirement systems in this state and the investment managers and proxy advisors acting on behalf of those systems.