HBA-CMT H.B. 3481 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 3481
By: Eiland
County Affairs
4/1/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently,  the Texas coast is experiencing continued problems with erosion
of its beaches.  Federal and state programs to provide financing of coastal
erosion projects have been enacted, but require local matching funds for
participation.  Competing priorities for the use of local funds can limit
the funds available for beach erosion projects.  House Bill 3481 authorizes
counties along the coast to create coastal conservation districts that may
impose taxes and issue bonds to provide the area with a source for matching
funds.     

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. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 3481 amends the Local Government Code to add a chapter regarding
the creation of coastal county conservation districts (district) subject to
voter approval, to promote, develop, encourage, and maintain employment,
commerce, economic development, and the public welfare in the commercial
and residential areas  bordering on the coastal waters of the state.  The
bill sets forth provisions for the creation and boundaries of a district.
The bill provides for the appointment of a board of directors of a district
and sets forth the powers and duties of the district and board, including
the power to levy and collect assessments and issue bonds, subject to voter
approval. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage.