Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB5661

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 286; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

Impact

The bill mandates that the district can pursue various utility projects, particularly concerning the construction, maintenance, and operation of infrastructure like roads and drainage systems. It will give the district the power to issue bonds to finance these projects, under regulations that also ensure municipal compliance. This has implications for local governance, as the district will operate under state law while aligning with local development agreements to respect city ordinances.

Summary

House Bill 5661 establishes the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 286, granting it specific powers and responsibilities. The bill stipulates that the district will have the authority to issue bonds and impose assessments, fees, and taxes to fund its operations. The creation of this district is considered a necessary measure to manage utility services in a way that can support new developments in the area. It will provide services necessary for residential development and the operation of associated infrastructure.

Contention

Notably, there are conditions tied to the district's formation, such as obtaining consent from the municipal authority, which could stabilize control over local utilities while allowing for necessary developments. However, the power to exercise eminent domain is limited unless the bill receives a two-thirds majority vote, which could fuel debates among stakeholders regarding the potential for such powers to infringe on personal property rights or community needs. Stakeholders may have varying views on the balance between development needs and local residents' rights.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Special District Local Laws Code

  • Chapter 8017. Hillcrest North Municipal Utility District Of Wise County
    • Section: New Section

Water Code

  • Chapter 49. Provisions Applicable To All Districts
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 54. Municipal Utility Districts
    • Section: New Section

Tax Code

  • Chapter 26. Assessment
    • Section: 18

Companion Bills

TX SB3038

Identical Relating to the creation of the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 286; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

Similar Bills

TX SB3038

Relating to the creation of the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 286; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

TX SB2599

Relating to the creation of the Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 594; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

TX HB5353

Relating to the creation of the Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 594; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

TX SB2037

Relating to the creation of the Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 543; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

TX HB4198

Relating to the creation of the Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 543; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.