Texas House Bill HB5691

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 4/25/25

Caption

Relating to the creation of the Wolf Creek Municipal Management District No. 1; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes; granting a limited power of eminent domain.

Impact

If enacted, HB5691 will significantly alter local governance by centralizing authority over community resources and project funding within the newly formed district. This restructuring aims to enhance collaboration between state-municipal relationships and public utilities. Moreover, it will allow for direct funding through assessments, ensuring that necessary infrastructure improvements can be funded efficiently. As a consequence, the district will aid in reducing unemployment and supporting local commerce, whilst ensuring essential services are maintained.

Summary

House Bill 5691 proposes the establishment of the Wolf Creek Municipal Management District No. 1 in Greenville, Texas. The bill empowers this special district to impose assessments, fees, and taxes, allowing it to issue bonds for financing public projects. The origins of this legislative proposal are rooted in the necessity to foster local economic development and improve the public welfare in the designated area. Specifically, the bill outlines provisions for operations, maintenance, and authorized public works enhancements that may benefit the community at large.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the bill's provision for a limited power of eminent domain. While this power is seen as necessary for facilitating significant public projects, it raises concerns among property owners regarding potential overreach in seizing private property for district purposes. Moreover, the bill's ability to impose taxes without significant local oversight could spur debates on local governance and taxpayer rights, especially among critics who argue that this may diminish local control over emerging fiscal policies.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Water Code

• Chapter 49. Provisions Applicable To All Districts
  • Section: 107

• Chapter 54. Municipal Utility Districts
  • Section: New Section

Local Government Code

• Chapter 375. Municipal Management Districts In General
  • Section: New Section