HBA-MPA H.B. 1380 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1380 By: Allen Urban Affairs 3/1/1999 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Currently, cities are authorized to levy, with voter approval, additional taxes and fees to finance "venue projects." The examples of venue projects presently listed in the law all have the purpose of providing recreational, athletic, and civic opportunities which enhance the quality of life, motivate economic development, and attract tourists. There has been discussion of whether a city's parks and recreation system is included under the term venue project, and a recent attorney general's opinion asserts that it is not. H.B. 1380 gives local voters the option to decide whether to authorize taxes and fees under this section to enhance and operate its parks and recreation system. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 334.001(4), Local Government Code, by adding to the definition of "venue" an area or facility that is part of a municipal parks and recreation system. Makes nonsubstantive changes. SECTION 2.Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.