Bill

HB 1966

83(R) - 2013
Urban Affairs

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Joe Deshotel

Bill Caption

Relating to a project that may be undertaken by certain development corporations in connection with infrastructure improvements necessary for municipal area development and revitalization.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. Because the bill would not have statewide impact on units of local government of the same type or class, no comment is required by the rules of the House/Senate as to its probable fiscal implication on units of local government.

Bill Analysis

Legislation: This legislation expands the list of economic development corporation (ECD) statutorily eligible projects. This legislation would allow infrastructure improvements, telecommunications improvements, and coastal erosion control to the list of statutorily eligible projects to be funded by ECDs.  

Analysis: This legislation is bracketed for Port Arthur/Jefferson County. Currently EDCs give cities the ability to finance new or expanding business enterprises in their local communities. EDCs authorize sales taxes to be diverted to corporations for the financing of their expressed projects. This is a local control issue. Currently the municipal sales tax rate is capped at 2 cents. In addition this legislation does not expand the district but rather gives more latitude for which types of projects they can pursue economic development. Support for this legislation means allowing local money to finance local projects and improve local quality of life and maximize self-determination within the bracketed area the legislation applies to. Vote YES on HB 1966.