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TexasHB 566589th Legislature Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Relating to the creation of the Waller County Municipal Utility District No. 70; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.

Sponsored By: Stan Kitzman, Lois Kolkhorst (Republican)

Became Law

WALLER COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 70Special Districts & Authorities--Municipal Utility DistrictsSpecial Districts & Authorities--Water & Utility

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.

Voter-approved district taxes for property owners

The district can tax taxable property for operations and maintenance only after voters approve the tax. The board sets the rate, but cannot exceed the rate voters approved. A contract tax also requires voters to approve the contract provisions, and its revenue can pay amounts owed under that contract. The board can later amend the contract without another vote. The law sets no specific tax rate or household bill.

District borrowing can raise property taxes

The district can finance projects with bonds backed by property taxes, revenues, contract payments, impact fees, grants, or other funds. Bonds backed by non-property-tax revenues or specified contract payments do not require an election; property-tax-backed bonds require voter approval. Tax-backed road bonds need approval from two-thirds of district voters voting, and total principal cannot exceed 25% of assessed real property value. For tax-backed bonds, the board must levy an annual property tax without a rate or amount cap while debt remains outstanding. Non-tax financing can also affect user fees or developer assessments; the law specifies no bond amount or household payment.

District can build roads and drainage

The district can acquire, build, improve, finance, operate, and maintain roads and related storm drainage. It can issue bonds for these projects, creating possible costs for district property owners. Roads can be transferred to Texas, a county, or a city for operation and maintenance. Projects must meet city construction, zoning, and subdivision rules within city limits or outside areas under city jurisdiction; county rules apply elsewhere. The Texas Transportation Commission must approve plans and specifications for roads the state will operate and maintain.

Local voters elect the district board

The district has five elected directors serving staggered four-year terms. Before voters confirm the district and elect permanent directors, every city containing district land or having jurisdiction outside its limits must consent. The district must follow applicable requirements in those city consent ordinances or resolutions. Temporary directors serve until permanent directors are elected or four years after the law takes effect. If their terms end first, owners holding a majority of assessed real property value can petition the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, which must appoint the five named successors.

New utility district in Waller County

The law creates Waller County Municipal Utility District No. 70, covering 209.7636 acres, with utility, infrastructure, and taxing powers. Its boundary descriptions are legally binding; clerical errors do not invalidate the district or its powers. Any district created by dividing it inherits its powers and duties, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality oversees district operations. The law bars the district from using eminent domain unless it received two-thirds approval from all elected members of each legislative chamber. That same legislative threshold determines the effective date: immediate effect with the required votes, or September 1, 2025, otherwise.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Stan Kitzman

    House

  • Lois Kolkhorst

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 13 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/28/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/28/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 5/7/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Local Government

Yes: 6 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Land & Resource Management

Yes: 7 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective immediately

    6/20/2025House

  2. Filed without the Governor's signature

    6/20/2025House

  3. Sent to the Governor

    5/31/2025House

  4. Signed in the Senate

    5/31/2025Senate

  5. Signed in the House

    5/30/2025House

  6. Reported enrolled

    5/30/2025House

  7. Senate passage reported

    5/29/2025House

  8. Record vote

    5/28/2025Senate

  9. Passed

    5/28/2025Senate

  10. Read 3rd time

    5/28/2025Senate

  11. Record vote

    5/28/2025Senate

  12. Three day rule suspended

    5/28/2025Senate

  13. Vote recorded in Journal

    5/28/2025Senate

  14. Read 2nd time & passed to 3rd reading

    5/28/2025Senate

  15. Laid before the Senate

    5/28/2025Senate

  16. Placed on local & uncontested calendar

    5/28/2025Senate

  17. Committee report printed and distributed

    5/22/2025Senate

  18. Recommended for local & uncontested calendar

    5/22/2025Senate

  19. Reported favorably w/o amendments

    5/22/2025Senate

  20. Vote taken in committee

    5/22/2025Senate

  21. Considered in public hearing

    5/22/2025Senate

  22. Scheduled for public hearing on . . .

    5/22/2025Senate

  23. Posting rule suspended

    5/22/2025Senate

  24. Referred to Local Government

    5/21/2025Senate

  25. Read first time

    5/21/2025Senate

Bill Text

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