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Relating to requirements for new or increased municipal fees.
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
SB 849 would require municipalities (except for those primarily located in counties with less than 30,000 population) to develop notification systems either through email or on a website through which subscribers would be notified of all new or increased municipal fees, as well as related information such as public hearings relating to new or increased fees. The bill would additionally require proposed municipal budgets that derive revenue from new or increased fees to include a cover page with a specific notice that the budget includes estimated revenue from new or increased fees, and would require those budgets to undergo a separate vote from the governing body on the use of that revenue.
Texas Action supports SB 849 for promoting the principles of limited government and individual liberty. This bill would increase transparency and accountability regarding municipal budgets and would allow Texas taxpayers greater control over the budgeting process to ensure that new or increased fees are necessary and proper.