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.