Bill Caption

Relating to use of project funds of municipal development districts.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 1554 would allow municipal management districts, under certain conditions, to fund development projects located in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the municipality that created the district if the board determines that the development project will provide an economic benefit to the district. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

HB 1554 would give municipal management districts the ability to fund development projects outside of their jurisdictional boundaries, allowing them to promote, develop, encourage, and maintain employment, commerce, transportation, housing, tourism, recreation, the arts, entertainment, economic development, safety, and the public welfare outside of the district.

Municipal Management Districts are are non-municipal entities that wield municipal-type authority, essentially creating a city within a city that lacks true accountability.

It is not the proper role of government to spur economic development. The idea that government can and should play such a role distorts the marketplace, picks economic winners and losers, and infringes on individual liberty. For these reasons, we oppose HB 1554.