All Roll Calls
Yes: 18 • No: 0
TexasHB 565189th Legislature Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Relating to the creation of the Montgomery County Water Control and Improvement District No. 7; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Sponsored By: Creighton, Will Metcalf
Became Law
MONTGOMERY COUNTY WATER CONTROL AND IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 7MONTGOMERY COUNTYSpecial Districts & Authorities--Water & UtilitySpecial Districts & Authorities--Water Control Improve Dist.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
District cannot take owners' private property
The district cannot use eminent domain to take private property for its projects. This ban also covers land outside district boundaries for roads or recreation facilities. Other entities keep any separate eminent-domain authority they have.
Voters and caps limit district road debt
Road bonds paid with property taxes need approval from two-thirds of district voters who cast ballots. Total principal for road bonds and other road obligations paid with property taxes cannot exceed 25% of assessed district real-property value. This cap applies when the debt is issued. These limits restrict borrowing but do not set an individual property's tax bill.
District can build roads and drainage
The district can build, finance, improve, operate, and maintain roads and related storm drainage. It can transfer roads to Texas, a county, or a city for operation and maintenance. Road projects must meet city construction and land-use rules within city limits or nearby areas under city authority. County rules apply outside those areas. The Texas Transportation Commission must approve plans and specifications when Texas will operate and maintain the road.
District residents elect five local directors
The district has five elected directors serving staggered four-year terms, with an election required to confirm its creation. Each municipality covering district land through city limits or nearby city authority must consent before that election. Owners representing a majority of assessed real-property value can ask the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to appoint temporary directors. Those directors serve until permanent directors are elected or the fourth anniversary of the law's effective date, whichever comes first. If permanent directors remain unelected, majority-value owners can petition for replacement temporary directors.
New Montgomery County district can build infrastructure
Beginning September 1, 2025, the law creates Montgomery County Water Control and Improvement District No. 7, covering 480.79 acres. The district can handle wastewater, stormwater, and harmful excess water using powers available to Texas water districts. It can also develop recreation facilities and issue bonds for them under state water law. Overlapping local governments keep their own recreation powers. The law does not promise a specific project or service level.
District operating and contract taxes need votes
The district can tax taxable property for operating and maintenance costs only after voters approve the tax. The board cannot set that rate above the voter-approved rate. A separate tax can fund contract payments after a majority of voters casting ballots approve the contract. That contract may let the board change its terms later without another vote. The law sets no household bill amount or contract-tax rate.
District borrowing carries possible property tax costs
The district can borrow for authorized projects using property taxes, impact fees, revenue, contract payments, grants, or other district money. Voters must approve before the district imposes property taxes or issues property-tax-backed bonds. Bonds backed by non-property-tax revenue or qualifying contract payments need no election. Property-tax-backed bonds require an annual property tax with no limit on its rate or amount while any bonds remain unpaid. The law sets no bond amount or household tax bill.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Creighton
Affiliation unavailable
Will Metcalf
House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 5/28/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 5/28/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 5/10/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Natural Resources
Yes: 12 • No: 0
Senate vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Local Government
Yes: 6 • No: 0 • Other: 1
Actions Timeline
See remarks for effective date
6/20/2025HouseFiled without the Governor's signature
6/20/2025HouseSent to the Governor
5/31/2025HouseSigned in the Senate
5/31/2025SenateSigned in the House
5/30/2025HouseReported enrolled
5/30/2025HouseSenate passage reported
5/29/2025HouseRecord vote
5/28/2025SenatePassed
5/28/2025SenateRead 3rd time
5/28/2025SenateRecord vote
5/28/2025SenateThree day rule suspended
5/28/2025SenateVote recorded in Journal
5/28/2025SenateRead 2nd time & passed to 3rd reading
5/28/2025SenateLaid before the Senate
5/28/2025SenatePlaced on local & uncontested calendar
5/28/2025SenateCommittee report printed and distributed
5/22/2025SenateRecommended for local & uncontested calendar
5/22/2025SenateReported favorably w/o amendments
5/22/2025SenateVote taken in committee
5/22/2025SenateConsidered in public hearing
5/22/2025SenateScheduled for public hearing on . . .
5/22/2025SenatePosting rule suspended
5/22/2025SenateReferred to Local Government
5/21/2025SenateRead first time
5/21/2025Senate
Bill Text
Engrossed
Enrolled
House Committee Report
Introduced
Senate Committee Report
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