Bill Text: TX HB2744 | 2017-2018 | 85th Legislature | Engrossed


Bill Title: Relating to the creation of the Channelview Improvement District; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose fees and taxes.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2017-05-17 - Left pending in committee [HB2744 Detail]

Download: Texas-2017-HB2744-Engrossed.html
  85R24163 SMT-D
 
  By: Hernandez H.B. No. 2744
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the creation of the Channelview Improvement District;
  providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose
  fees and taxes.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subtitle C, Title 4, Special District Local Laws
  Code, is amended by adding Chapter 3943 to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 3943. CHANNELVIEW IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
  SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
         Sec. 3943.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
               (1)  "Board" means the board of directors of the
  district.
               (2)  "County" means Harris County.
               (3)  "District" means the Channelview Improvement
  District.
         Sec. 3943.002.  CREATION AND NATURE OF DISTRICT.  The
  district is a special district created under Section 59, Article
  XVI, Texas Constitution.
         Sec. 3943.003.  PURPOSE; DECLARATION OF INTENT. (a) The
  creation of the district is essential to accomplish the purposes of
  Sections 52 and 52-a, Article III, and Section 59, Article XVI,
  Texas Constitution, and other public purposes stated in this
  chapter. By creating the district and in authorizing political
  subdivisions to contract with the district, the legislature has
  established a program to accomplish the public purposes set out in
  Section 52-a, Article III, Texas Constitution.
         (b)  The creation of the district is necessary to promote,
  develop, encourage, and maintain employment, commerce,
  transportation, housing, tourism, recreation, the arts,
  entertainment, economic development, safety, scenic beauty, and
  the public welfare in the district.
         (c)  This chapter and the creation of the district may not be
  interpreted to relieve the county from providing the level of
  services provided as of the effective date of the Act enacting this
  chapter to the area in the district. The district is created to
  supplement and not to supplant county services provided in the
  district.
         Sec. 3943.004.  FINDINGS OF BENEFIT AND PUBLIC PURPOSE. (a)
  The district is created to serve a public use and benefit.
         (b)  All land and other property included in the district
  will benefit from the improvements and services to be provided by
  the district under powers conferred by Sections 52 and 52-a,
  Article III, and Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution, and
  other powers granted under this chapter.
         (c)  The creation of the district is in the public interest
  and is essential to:
               (1)  further the public purposes of developing and
  diversifying the economy of the state;
               (2)  eliminate unemployment and underemployment; and
               (3)  develop or expand transportation and commerce.
         (d)  The district shall:
               (1)  promote the health, safety, and general welfare of
  residents, merchants, landowners, employers, potential employees,
  employees, visitors, and consumers in the district, and of the
  public;
               (2)  provide needed funding for the district to
  preserve, maintain, and enhance the economic health and vitality of
  the district territory as a community and business center;
               (3)  provide and maintain common areas and facilities
  in the district to ensure scenic beauty;
               (4)  provide improvements in the district to promote
  the welfare of the public in the district; and
               (5)  promote the health, safety, welfare, and enjoyment
  of the public by providing pedestrian ways and by landscaping and
  developing certain areas in the district, which are necessary for
  the restoration, preservation, and enhancement of scenic beauty.
         (e)  The district may not act as the agent or instrumentality
  of any private interest even though the district will benefit many
  private interests as well as the public.
         Sec. 3943.005.  INITIAL DISTRICT TERRITORY. (a) The
  district is composed of the territory described by Section 2 of the
  Act enacting this chapter.
         (b)  The boundaries and field notes of the district contained
  in Section 2 of the Act enacting this chapter form a closure. A
  mistake in the field notes or in copying the field notes in the
  legislative process does not in any way affect the district's:
               (1)  organization, existence, or validity;
               (2)  right to contract;
               (3)  authority to issue any type of bond for a purpose
  for which the district is created or to pay the principal of and
  interest on the bond;
               (4)  right to impose or collect a fee or tax or collect
  other revenue; or
               (5)  legality or operation.
         Sec. 3943.006.  CONFIRMATION AND DIRECTORS' ELECTION
  REQUIRED. The initial directors shall hold an election to confirm
  the creation of the district and to elect five permanent directors
  as provided by Section 49.102, Water Code.
  SUBCHAPTER B. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
         Sec. 3943.051.  GOVERNING BODY; TERMS.  (a) The district is
  governed by a board of five directors who occupy numbered
  positions. The directors who occupy positions one, two, and three
  are appointed under this section, and the directors who occupy
  positions four and five are elected as provided by this section and
  Section 3943.052.
         (b)  The commissioners court of the county shall appoint:
               (1)  one person who leases a retail store or who owns
  real property in the district to serve in position one for a
  three-year term;
               (2)  one person who leases a retail store but does not
  own real property in the district to serve in position two for a
  two-year term; and
               (3)  one person who owns real property in the district
  to serve in position three for a three-year term.
         (c)  A director elected under Section 3943.052 serves a
  two-year term. To qualify as a candidate for position four, a
  person must reside in the district. To qualify as a candidate for
  position five, a person must lease a retail store or own real
  property in the district.
         (d)  In appointing directors under Subsection (b), the
  commissioners court shall consider any recommendation received by
  an organization dedicated to the economic development of the
  district.
         (e)  A term expires on December 31 of the appropriate year.
         Sec. 3943.052.  ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. (a) The board shall
  hold an election of directors for positions four and five in each
  odd-numbered year on the uniform election date in November
  established by Section 41.001, Election Code.
         (b)  In addition to the contents required by the Election
  Code, notice of a directors' election must:
               (1)  state the number of directors to be voted on; and
               (2)  describe the qualifications for each position for
  which a candidate is running.
         (c)  In addition to requirements prescribed by the Election
  Code, the ballots for a directors' election shall describe the
  qualifications of the position for which each candidate is running.
         (d)  The board shall certify that the person receiving the
  highest number of votes for each position is elected as the director
  for that position.
         Sec. 3943.053.  LAW GOVERNING ADMINISTRATION OF BOARD.  
  Sections 375.066-375.070, Local Government Code, apply to the board
  as if it were established under Chapter 375 of that code.
         Sec. 3943.054.  VOTING BY BOARD PRESIDENT RESTRICTED.  The
  board president may not vote except to break a tie vote.
         Sec. 3943.055.  INITIAL DIRECTORS.  (a)  The initial
  directors elected under Section 3943.052 shall be elected at an
  election to be held on November 7, 2017.
         (b)  The initial directors appointed under Section 3943.051
  shall be appointed for terms to start on January 1, 2018.
         (c)  This section expires September 1, 2022.
  SUBCHAPTER C.  POWERS AND DUTIES
         Sec. 3943.101.  GENERAL POWERS. The district has all of the
  powers and duties necessary to accomplish the purposes for which
  the district was created, including the powers and duties provided
  by:
               (1)  Subchapter E, Chapter 375, Local Government Code;
  and
               (2)  the general laws of this state on conservation and
  reclamation districts created under Section 59, Article XVI, Texas
  Constitution, including Chapter 49, Water Code.
         Sec. 3943.102.  IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS. The district may
  provide, or it may enter into contracts with a governmental or
  private entity to provide, and pay all or part of the costs of the
  improvement projects described by Subchapter D or activities in
  support of or incidental to those projects.
         Sec. 3943.103.  DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION POWERS.  The
  district, using money available to the district, may exercise the
  powers given to a development corporation under Chapter 505, Local
  Government Code, including the power to own, operate, acquire,
  construct, lease, improve, or maintain a project under that
  chapter.
         Sec. 3943.104.  RULES.  The district may adopt rules:
               (1)  to administer and operate the district;
               (2)  for the use, enjoyment, availability, protection,
  security, and maintenance of the district's facilities; and
               (3)  for the provision of public safety and security in
  the district.
         Sec. 3943.105.  LEASE, ACQUISITION, OR CONSTRUCTION OF
  BUILDING OR FACILITY; ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS.  The district
  may, as if the district were a home-rule municipality with a
  population of more than 100,000:
               (1)  issue bonds and lease, acquire, or construct a
  building or facility as provided by Subchapter A, Chapter 1509,
  Government Code; and
               (2)  establish and administer a program as provided by
  Section 380.002, Local Government Code.
         Sec. 3943.106.  CONTRACTS; GRANTS; DONATIONS. (a) The
  district may contract with any person to accomplish the purposes of
  this chapter on terms and for the period the board determines,
  including contracting for the payment of costs incurred by the
  person on behalf of the district, including all or part of the costs
  of an improvement project, from tax proceeds or any other specified
  source of money.
         (b)  The district may contract with a person to receive,
  administer, and perform the district's duties under a gift, grant,
  loan, conveyance, transfer, bequest, donation, or other financial
  arrangement relating to the investigation, planning, analysis,
  acquisition, construction, completion, implementation, or
  operation of a proposed or existing improvement project.
         (c)  Any person, including any type of governmental entity,
  may contract with the district to carry out the purposes of this
  chapter.
         Sec. 3943.107.  ANNEXATION OR EXCLUSION OF TERRITORY.  The
  district may add or exclude territory in the manner provided by
  Chapter 375, Local Government Code.
         Sec. 3943.108.  NO PEACE OFFICERS.  The district may not
  employ peace officers.
         Sec. 3943.109.  NO EMINENT DOMAIN.  The district may not
  exercise the power of eminent domain.
  SUBCHAPTER D.  IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
         Sec. 3943.151.  IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND SERVICES. The
  district may provide, design, construct, acquire, improve, lease,
  relocate, repair, operate, maintain, or finance an improvement
  project or service using money available to the district, or
  contract with a governmental or private entity to provide, design,
  construct, acquire, improve, lease, relocate, repair, operate,
  maintain, or finance an improvement project or service authorized
  under this chapter.
         Sec. 3943.152.  MISCELLANEOUS DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND
  MAINTENANCE. An improvement project may include the planning,
  design, construction, improvement, and maintenance of:
               (1)  landscaping;
               (2)  highway right-of-way or transit corridor
  beautification and improvement;
               (3)  lighting, banners, and signs;
               (4)  a street or sidewalk;
               (5)  a hiking and cycling path or trail;
               (6)  a pedestrian walkway, skywalk, crosswalk, or
  tunnel;
               (7)  a park, lake, garden, recreational facility, open
  space, scenic area, or related exhibit or preserve;
               (8)  a fountain, plaza, or pedestrian mall; or
               (9)  public art or sculpture and related exhibits and
  facilities and educational or cultural exhibits and facilities,
  including exhibits, displays, attractions, or facilities for
  special events, holidays, or seasonal or cultural celebrations.
         Sec. 3943.153.  PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION.  An improvement
  project may include the planning, design, construction,
  improvement, maintenance, and operation of an off-street parking
  facility, heliport, bus terminal, mass transit, and roadway or
  water transportation system.
         Sec. 3943.154.  DEMOLITION.  An improvement project may
  include the removal, razing, demolition, or clearing of land or
  improvements in connection with an improvement project.
         Sec. 3943.155.  ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY.  An improvement
  project may include the acquisition of property or an interest in
  property in connection with an improvement project.
         Sec. 3943.156.  SPECIAL OR SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICES.  An
  improvement project may include a special or supplemental service
  for the improvement and promotion of the district or for the
  protection of public health and safety in the district, including:
               (1)  tourism;
               (2)  elimination of traffic congestion;
               (3)  health, sanitation, public safety, security, fire
  protection, or emergency medical services;
               (4)  recreational, educational, or cultural
  improvements, enhancements, and services; and
               (5)  advertising, promotion, and business recruitment.
         Sec. 3943.157.  SIMILAR IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.  An
  improvement project may include a public improvement, facility, or
  service similar to a project described by this subchapter.
  SUBCHAPTER E.  GENERAL FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
         Sec. 3943.201.  NO AD VALOREM TAX.  The district may not
  impose an ad valorem tax.
         Sec. 3943.202.  FEES; CHARGES.  The district may:
               (1)  establish and collect user fees, concession fees,
  admission fees, rental fees, or other similar fees or charges; and
               (2)  apply the proceeds from those fees or charges for
  the enjoyment, sale, rental, or other use of the district's
  facilities, services, or improvement projects.
         Sec. 3943.203.  BORROWING MONEY.  The district may borrow
  money for a district purpose.
         Sec. 3943.204.  PAYMENT OF EXPENSES.  The district may
  provide or secure the payment or repayment of any district expense,
  including:
               (1)  a district cost relating to an improvement
  project;
               (2)  a district contractual obligation or
  indebtedness, because of a lease, installment purchase contract, or
  other agreement; or
               (3)  a tax, user fee, concession fee, rental fee, or
  other revenue or resources of the district.
         Sec. 3943.205.  BONDS. (a) The board may issue bonds as
  provided by Subchapter J, Chapter 375, Local Government Code.
         (b)  In addition to the sources described in Subchapter J,
  Chapter 375, Local Government Code, bonds issued by the district
  may be secured and made payable, in whole or in part, by a pledge of
  any part of the net proceeds the district receives from a specified
  portion of not more than one-half of the district's maximum sales
  and use tax amount authorized under Section 3943.252.
         (c)  Sections 375.207 and 375.208, Local Government Code, do
  not apply to bonds issued under this section.
  SUBCHAPTER F.  SALES AND USE TAX
         Sec. 3943.251.  SALES AND USE TAX; EXCISE TAX. (a) For
  purposes of this section:
               (1)  "Taxable items" includes all items subject to a
  sales and use tax that is imposed by the county.
               (2)  "Use," with respect to a taxable service, means
  the derivation in the district of a direct or indirect benefit from
  the service.
         (b)  The district may impose a sales and use tax if
  authorized by a majority vote at an election held for that purpose.
         (c)  If the district adopts a sales and use tax:
               (1)  the tax is imposed on the receipts from the sale at
  retail of taxable items in the district; and
               (2)  an excise tax is imposed on the use, storage, or
  other consumption in the district of taxable items purchased or
  rented from a retailer during the period in which the sales and use
  tax is effective in the district.
         (d)  The rate of the excise tax is the same as the rate of the
  sales tax portion of the tax applied to the sales price of the
  taxable items and is included in the sales tax.
         Sec. 3943.252.  TAX ELECTION PROCEDURES. (a) The board may
  order an election to adopt, change the rate of, or abolish a sales
  and use tax. The election may be held at the same time and in
  conjunction with a directors' election.
         (b)  The election must be held on the next uniform election
  date that falls on or after the 45th day after the date the election
  order is adopted.
         (c)  Notice of the election shall be given and the election
  shall be held in the manner prescribed for a bond election by
  Subchapter D, Chapter 49, Water Code.
         Sec. 3943.253.  BALLOT WORDING. (a) In an election to adopt
  a sales and use tax, the ballot shall be prepared to permit voting
  for or against the proposition: "The adoption of a local sales and
  use tax in the Channelview Improvement District at the rate of
  (proposed tax rate)."
         (b)  In an election to change the rate of the sales and use
  tax, the ballot shall be prepared to permit voting for or against
  the proposition: "The (increase or decrease, as applicable) in the
  rate of the local sales and use tax imposed in the Channelview
  Improvement District from (tax rate on election date) percent to
  (proposed tax rate) percent."
         (c)  In an election to abolish the sales and use tax, the
  ballot shall be prepared to permit voting for or against the
  proposition: "The abolition of the local sales and use tax in the
  Channelview Improvement District."
         Sec. 3943.254.  APPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN TAX CODE
  PROVISIONS. (a)  Chapter 321, Tax Code, governs the imposition,
  computation, administration, enforcement, and collection of the
  sales and use tax authorized by this subchapter except to the extent
  Chapter 321, Tax Code, is inconsistent with this chapter.
         (b)  A reference in Chapter 321, Tax Code, to a municipality
  or the governing body of a municipality is a reference to the
  district or the board, respectively.
         Sec. 3943.255.  TAX RATES.  The district may impose the sales
  and use tax and the excise tax in increments of one-eighth of one
  percent, with a minimum tax of one-half percent and a maximum tax of
  one percent.
         Sec. 3943.256.  ABOLITION OF TAX.  The board by order and
  without an election may abolish the sales and use tax and the excise
  tax.
         Sec. 3943.257.  USE OF TAXES.  The district may use the
  proceeds from the sales and use tax and the excise tax only for the
  purposes for which the district was created.
         Sec. 3943.258.  EFFECTIVE DATE OF TAX OR TAX CHANGE.  The
  adoption of a tax rate or a change in the tax rate takes effect after
  the expiration of the first complete calendar quarter occurring
  after the date on which the comptroller receives a notice of the
  results of the election.
  SUBCHAPTER G. DISSOLUTION
         Sec. 3943.301.  DISSOLUTION BY BOARD ORDER.  The board by
  order may dissolve the district at any time unless the district has
  outstanding indebtedness or contractual obligations.
         Sec. 3943.302.  DISSOLUTION BY PETITION OF OWNERS.  (a)  The
  board by order shall dissolve the district if a majority of the
  voters of the district voting at an election called for that purpose
  vote to dissolve the district.
         (b)  After the date the district is dissolved, the district
  may not impose taxes.
         (c)  If on the date the district is dissolved the district
  has outstanding liabilities, the board shall, not later than the
  30th day after the date of dissolution, adopt a resolution
  certifying each outstanding liability. The county shall assume the
  outstanding liabilities and shall collect the sales and use tax for
  the district for the remainder of the calendar year. The county may
  continue to collect the tax for an additional calendar year if the
  commissioners court of the county finds that the tax revenue is
  needed to retire the district liabilities that were assumed by the
  county.
         (d)  The district may continue to operate for a period not to
  exceed two months after performing its duties under Subsection (c).
  The district is continued in effect for the purpose of performing
  those duties.
         (e)  If the district is continued in effect under Subsection
  (d), the district is dissolved entirely on the first day of the
  month following the month in which the board certifies to the
  secretary of state that the district has fully performed its duties
  under Subsection (c).
         Sec. 3943.303.  ADMINISTRATION OF DISTRICT PROPERTY
  FOLLOWING DISSOLUTION. (a) After the date the board orders the
  dissolution of the district, the board shall transfer ownership of
  all district property to the county, except as provided by
  Subsection (b).
         (b)  If, on the date on which the board orders the
  dissolution, more than 50 percent of the district territory is in a
  municipality, the board shall transfer ownership of the district's
  property to the municipality.
         SECTION 2.  The Channelview Improvement District initially
  includes all the territory contained in the following area:
         BEGINNING at the centerline intersection of the East Sam
  Houston Parkway ("Beltway 8") with the centerline of Wallisville
  Road, approximately 2 1/2 miles north of Interstate 10 ("East
  Freeway"), along said "Beltway 8";
         THENCE, in a Northeasterly direction, along the centerline of
  said Wallisville Road, to the intersection of said Wallisville Road
  with the west bank of the San Jacinto River;
         THENCE, in a Southerly direction, along the westerly bank of
  the said San Jacinto River; inclusive of the body of water known as
  Bear Lake, to the intersection of the U.P.S. Railroad and the
  southerly bank of a body of water known as Whites Lake;
         THENCE, in an Easterly direction, along the southerly bank of
  said Whites Lake, to the intersection of said Whites Lake, also
  being the northerly Right-of-Way line of said Interstate 10 with
  the westerly bank of the said San Jacinto River;
         THENCE, in a Southwesterly direction, along the westerly bank
  of the said San Jacinto River, crossing the northerly outlet of Old
  River to the intersection of the northerly City of Houston, City
  Limit Line;
         THENCE, in a Southwesterly direction, with a curve to the
  left, along said northerly City Limit Line crossing the southerly
  outlet of Old River to the southerly bank of said Old River;
         THENCE, in an Easterly direction with the southerly bank of
  said Old River and with the said northerly City Limit Line to the
  west bank of the Houston Ship Channel;
         THENCE, in a Southwesterly direction with the northwesterly
  bank of said Houston Ship Channel and with the northwesterly City
  Limit Line to an angle point in said City Limit Line northeasterly
  of the outlet of Carpenters Bayou/Barge Channel;
         THENCE, in a Northwesterly direction leaving said Houston
  Ship Channel with the northeasterly City Limit Line to an angle
  point of said City Limit Line;
         THENCE, in a Southwesterly direction with the northwesterly
  City Limit Line, being a line parallel to and located approximately
  2,500 feet from the centerline of the said Houston Ship Channel,
  crossing said Carpenters Bayou/Barge Channel to an angle point in
  said City Limit Line;
         THENCE, in a Southeasterly direction with the southwesterly
  City Limit Line to the westerly bank of the said Houston Ship
  Channel;
         THENCE, in a Southwesterly direction with the northwesterly
  bank of said Houston Ship Channel with the northwesterly City Limit
  Line to an angle point of said City Limit Line located near the
  outlet of the Jacinto Port Slip;
         THENCE, in a Northwesterly direction leaving said Houston
  Ship Channel with the northeasterly City Limit Line to an angle
  point of said City Limit Line;
         THENCE, in a Southwesterly direction with northwesterly City
  Limit Line, being a line parallel to and located approximately
  2,500 feet from the centerline of said Houston Ship Channel,
  crossing said Jacinto Port Slip to an angle point in said City Limit
  Line;
         THENCE, in a Southeasterly direction with southwesterly City
  Limit Line to the westerly bank of the said Houston Ship Channel;
         THENCE, in a Southeasterly direction with the northerly City
  Limit Line and generally with the Northerly bank of said Houston
  Ship Channel, crossing said "Beltway 8" to the intersection of the
  northerly bank of the said Houston Ship Channel with the extension
  of the centerline of Penn City Road;
         THENCE, in a Northerly direction, along the said centerline
  extension of said Penn City Road, to the common intersection of Penn
  City Road, "Beltway 8" and Interstate 10 for corner;
         THENCE, in a Northerly direction, along the centerline of
  said "Beltway 8", approximately 2 1/2 miles to the POINT OF
  BEGINNING. Save and except for any portion hereof that is included
  in the municipal or corporate boundaries of the City of Houston.
         SECTION 3.  (a)  The legal notice of the intention to
  introduce this Act, setting forth the general substance of this
  Act, has been published as provided by law, and the notice and a
  copy of this Act have been furnished to all persons, agencies,
  officials, or entities to which they are required to be furnished
  under Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution, and Chapter 313,
  Government Code.
         (b)  The governor, one of the required recipients, has
  submitted the notice and Act to the Texas Commission on
  Environmental Quality.
         (c)  The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has filed
  its recommendations relating to this Act with the governor, the
  lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house of
  representatives within the required time.
         (d)  All requirements of the constitution and laws of this
  state and the rules and procedures of the legislature with respect
  to the notice, introduction, and passage of this Act are fulfilled
  and accomplished.
         SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2017.
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