All Roll Calls
Yes: 120 • No: 16
TexasHB 568889th Legislature Regular SessionHouseWALLET
Relating to the creation of the San Benito Municipal Utility District No. 1; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Sponsored By: Adam Hinojosa (Republican), Janie Lopez
Became Law
SAN BENITO MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 1Special Districts & Authorities--Municipal Utility DistrictsSpecial Districts & Authorities--Water & Utility
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.
San Benito district cannot seize property
Beginning September 1, 2025, the district cannot take private property through eminent domain under this law. This ban applies because the act did not receive a two-thirds vote of all elected members in each legislative house.
District property taxes need voter approval
Beginning September 1, 2025, the district can tax property for operating and maintenance costs only after voters approve. The board sets the rate, but cannot exceed the voter-approved rate. A separate tax can pay district contracts after a majority of voters voting at a special-purpose election approve the contract. That contract can let the board change its terms without another vote. These taxes can raise property owners’ bills, but the law sets no rate or household bill amount.
District borrowing brings tax safeguards and risks
Beginning September 1, 2025, the district can issue bonds for authorized projects, using property taxes, impact fees, revenues, contract payments, or grants. Bonds backed by non-property-tax revenues or qualifying contract payments need no election; property taxes and property-tax-backed bonds require voter approval. Tax-backed road bonds require approval from two-thirds of voters voting, and total tax-backed road debt cannot exceed 25% of assessed real property value. Once bonds backed partly or fully by property taxes are issued, the district must provide an annual tax until they are repaid. That continuing tax has no limit on its rate or total amount; the law sets no household bill.
New San Benito district gets elected leadership
Beginning September 1, 2025, the law creates San Benito Municipal Utility District No. 1, covering about 228.77 acres in Cameron County. Each municipality with district land in its city limits or surrounding jurisdiction must consent before the confirmation election. Voters then decide whether to confirm the district and elect three directors, who serve staggered four-year terms. Temporary directors serve until permanent directors are elected or the law’s fourth anniversary; successors can be appointed afterward. If owners representing a majority of assessed real property value petition for five named successors, the state environmental agency must appoint them.
San Benito district can build roads
Beginning September 1, 2025, the district can acquire, build, finance, improve, operate, and maintain roads and related storm drainage. It can transfer these improvements to the state, a county, or a municipality. Projects must meet applicable local construction, zoning, subdivision, and regulatory rules, plus municipal consent conditions. The Texas Transportation Commission must approve plans for roads the state will operate and maintain. The law does not require a particular project or set its cost.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Adam Hinojosa
Republican • Senate
Janie Lopez
House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 5/25/2025
Record vote
Yes: 27 • No: 4
Senate vote • 5/25/2025
Record vote
Yes: 27 • No: 4
Senate vote • 5/25/2025
Record vote
Yes: 27 • No: 4
Senate vote • 5/25/2025
Record vote
Yes: 27 • No: 4
House vote • 5/10/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Local Government
Yes: 5 • No: 0 • Other: 1
House vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Land & Resource Management
Yes: 7 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Effective on 9/1/25
6/20/2025HouseFiled without the Governor's signature
6/20/2025HouseSent to the Governor
5/28/2025HouseSigned in the Senate
5/27/2025SenateSigned in the House
5/27/2025HouseReported enrolled
5/26/2025HouseSenate passage reported
5/26/2025HouseRecord vote
5/25/2025SenatePassed
5/25/2025SenateRead 3rd time
5/25/2025SenateRecord vote
5/25/2025SenateThree day rule suspended
5/25/2025SenateRecord vote
5/25/2025SenateRead 2nd time & passed to 3rd reading
5/25/2025SenateRecord vote
5/25/2025SenateRules suspended-Regular order of business
5/25/2025SenatePlaced on intent calendar
5/25/2025SenateCommittee report printed and distributed
5/23/2025SenateRecommended for local & uncontested calendar
5/23/2025SenateReported favorably w/o amendments
5/23/2025SenateVote 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
5/21/2025Senate
Bill Text
Engrossed
Enrolled
House Committee Report
Introduced
Senate Committee Report
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