Title SD, Special District Local Laws Code

Sec. 3947.254. ASSUMPTION OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES. (a) After the city dissolves the district, the city assumes the obligations of the district, including any contractual obligations or bonds or other debt payable from assessments or other district revenue. (b) If the city disso…

Sec. 3948.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (1) "Board" means the district's board of directors. (2) "City" means the City of Dayton. (3) "County" means Liberty County. (4) "Director" means a board member. (5) "District" means the River Ranch Improvement District of Liberty Coun…

Sec. 3948.002. NATURE OF DISTRICT. The district is a special district created under Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 445 (S.B. 320), Sec. 1, eff. June 9, 2017.

Sec. 3948.003. PURPOSE; DECLARATION OF INTENT. (a) The creation of the district is essential to accomplish the purposes of Sections 52 and 52-a, Article III, and Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution, and other public purposes stated in this chapter. By creating the distric…

Sec. 3948.004. FINDINGS OF BENEFIT AND PUBLIC PURPOSE. (a) The district is created to serve a public use and benefit. (b) All land and other property included in the district will benefit from the improvements and services to be provided by the district under powers conferred by …

Sec. 3948.005. INITIAL DISTRICT TERRITORY. (a) The district is initially composed of the territory described by Section 2 of the Act enacting this chapter. (b) The boundaries and field notes contained in Section 2 of the Act enacting this chapter form a closure. A mistake in the …

Sec. 3948.006. ELIGIBILITY FOR INCLUSION IN SPECIAL ZONES. All or any part of the area of the district is eligible to be included in: (1) a tax increment reinvestment zone created under Chapter 311, Tax Code; (2) a tax abatement reinvestment zone created under Chapter 312, Tax Co…

Sec. 3948.007. APPLICABILITY OF MUNICIPAL MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS LAW. Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, Chapter 375, Local Government Code, applies to the district. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 445 (S.B. 320), Sec. 1, eff. June 9, 2017.

Sec. 3948.008. CONSTRUCTION OF CHAPTER. This chapter shall be liberally construed in conformity with the findings and purposes stated in this chapter. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 445 (S.B. 320), Sec. 1, eff. June 9, 2017. SUBCHAPTER B. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sec. 3948.051. GOVERNING BODY; TERMS. (a) The district is governed by a board of five voting directors who serve staggered terms of four years, with two or three directors' terms expiring June 1 of each odd-numbered year. (b) The board by resolution may change the number of votin…

Sec. 3948.052. APPOINTMENT OF VOTING DIRECTORS. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality shall appoint voting directors from persons recommended by the board. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 445 (S.B. 320), Sec. 1, eff. June 9, 2017.

Sec. 3948.053. NONVOTING DIRECTORS. The board may appoint nonvoting directors to serve at the pleasure of the voting directors. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 445 (S.B. 320), Sec. 1, eff. June 9, 2017.

Sec. 3948.054. QUORUM. For purposes of determining the requirements for a quorum of the board, the following are not counted: (1) a board position vacant for any reason, including death, resignation, or disqualification; (2) a director who is abstaining from participation in a vo…

Sec. 3948.055. COMPENSATION. A director is entitled to receive fees of office and reimbursement for actual expenses as provided by Section 49.060, Water Code. Sections 375.069 and 375.070, Local Government Code, do not apply to the board. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. …

Sec. 3948.101. GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES. The district has the powers and duties necessary to accomplish the purposes for which the district is created. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 445 (S.B. 320), Sec. 1, eff. June 9, 2017.

Sec. 3948.102. IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND SERVICES. The district may provide, design, construct, acquire, improve, relocate, operate, maintain, or finance an improvement project or service using any money available to the district, or contract with a governmental or private entity …

Sec. 3948.103. DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION POWERS. The district, using money available to the district, may exercise the powers given to a development corporation under Chapter 505, Local Government Code, including the power to own, operate, acquire, construct, lease, improve, or mai…

Sec. 3948.104. NONPROFIT CORPORATION. (a) The board by resolution may authorize the creation of a nonprofit corporation to assist and act for the district in implementing a project or providing a service authorized by this chapter. (b) The nonprofit corporation: (1) has each powe…

Sec. 3948.105. AGREEMENTS; GRANTS. (a) As provided by Chapter 375, Local Government Code, the district may make an agreement with or accept a gift, grant, or loan from any person. (b) The implementation of a project is a governmental function or service for the purposes of Chapte…

Sec. 3948.106. LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES. To protect the public interest, the district may contract with a qualified party, including the county or the city, to provide law enforcement services in the district for a fee. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 445 (S.B. 320), Sec…

Sec. 3948.107. MEMBERSHIP IN CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS. The district may join and pay dues to a charitable or nonprofit organization that performs a service or provides an activity consistent with the furtherance of a district purpose. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 445 …

Sec. 3948.108. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. (a) The district may engage in activities that accomplish the economic development purposes of the district. (b) The district may establish and provide for the administration of one or more programs to promote state or local economic developme…

Sec. 3948.109. PARKING FACILITIES. (a) The district may acquire, lease as lessor or lessee, construct, develop, own, operate, and maintain parking facilities or a system of parking facilities, including lots, garages, parking terminals, or other structures or accommodations for p…

Sec. 3948.110. ROAD DISTRICT POWERS. The district has the powers provided by the general laws relating to road districts and road utility districts created under Section 52(b), Article III, Texas Constitution, including Chapters 257 and 441, Transportation Code. Added by Acts 201…

Sec. 3948.111. ROAD STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS. (a) A road project must meet all applicable construction standards, zoning and subdivision requirements, and regulations of each municipality in whose corporate limits or extraterritorial jurisdiction the road project is located. (b…

Sec. 3948.112. NO TOLL ROADS. The district may not construct, acquire, maintain, or operate a toll road. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 445 (S.B. 320), Sec. 1, eff. June 9, 2017.

Sec. 3948.113. NAVIGATION DISTRICT POWERS. (a) The district has the powers provided by the general law of this state applicable to navigation districts created under Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution, including Chapters 60 and 62, Water Code. (b) The district may purcha…

Sec. 3948.114. RAIL FACILITIES. The district may construct, acquire, improve, maintain, and operate rail facilities and improvements in aid of those facilities. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 445 (S.B. 320), Sec. 1, eff. June 9, 2017.

Sec. 3948.115. RURAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION POWERS. (a) The district may provide and coordinate rural public transportation in its territory in the manner provided by Sections 458.010 and 458.011, Transportation Code, for a rural transit district. (b) Section 458.012(a), Transport…

Sec. 3948.116. ANNEXATION OR EXCLUSION OF LAND. (a) The district may annex land as provided by Subchapter J, Chapter 49, Water Code. (b) The district may exclude land as provided by Subchapter J, Chapter 49, Water Code. Section 375.044(b), Local Government Code, does not apply to…

Sec. 3948.117. NO EMINENT DOMAIN POWER. The district may not exercise the power of eminent domain. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 445 (S.B. 320), Sec. 1, eff. June 9, 2017. SUBCHAPTER D. GENERAL FINANCIAL PROVISIONS; ASSESSMENTS

Sec. 3948.151. DISBURSEMENTS AND TRANSFERS OF MONEY. The board by resolution shall establish the number of directors' signatures and the procedure required for a disbursement or transfer of district money. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 445 (S.B. 320), Sec. 1, eff. June…

Sec. 3948.152. MONEY USED FOR IMPROVEMENTS OR SERVICES. The district may acquire, construct, finance, operate, or maintain any improvement or service authorized under this chapter or Chapter 375, Local Government Code, using any money available to the district. Added by Acts 2017…

Sec. 3948.153. PETITION REQUIRED FOR FINANCING SERVICES AND IMPROVEMENTS WITH ASSESSMENTS. (a) The board may not finance a service or improvement project with assessments under this chapter unless a written petition requesting that service or improvement has been filed with the b…

Sec. 3948.154. ASSESSMENTS; LIENS FOR ASSESSMENTS. (a) The board by resolution may impose and collect an assessment for any purpose authorized by this chapter in all or any part of the district. (b) An assessment, a reassessment, or an assessment resulting from an addition to or …

Sec. 3948.155. RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY NOT EXEMPT. Section 375.161, Local Government Code, does not apply to a tax authorized or approved by the voters of the district or a required payment for a service provided by the district, including water and sewer services. Added by Acts 201…

Sec. 3948.156. COMPETITIVE BIDDING. Subchapter I, Chapter 49, Water Code, applies to the district. Sections 375.221 and 375.223, Local Government Code, do not apply to the district. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 445 (S.B. 320), Sec. 1, eff. June 9, 2017.

Sec. 3948.157. TAX AND ASSESSMENT ABATEMENTS. The district may designate reinvestment zones and may grant abatements of district taxes or assessments on property in the zones. Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 445 (S.B. 320), Sec. 1, eff. June 9, 2017. SUBCHAPTER E. TAXES …

Sec. 3948.201. ELECTIONS REGARDING TAXES AND BONDS. (a) The district may issue, without an election, bonds, notes, and other obligations secured by: (1) revenue other than ad valorem taxes; or (2) contract payments described by Section 3948.203. (b) The district must hold an elec…

Sec. 3948.202. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE TAX. (a) If authorized by a majority of the district voters voting at an election held in accordance with Section 3948.201, the district may impose an operation and maintenance tax on taxable property in the district in accordance with Sec…

Sec. 3948.203. CONTRACT TAXES. (a) In accordance with Section 49.108, Water Code, the district may impose a tax other than an operation and maintenance tax and use the revenue derived from the tax to make payments under a contract after the provisions of the contract have been ap…

Sec. 3948.204. AUTHORITY TO BORROW MONEY AND TO ISSUE BONDS AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS. (a) The district may borrow money on terms determined by the board. Section 375.205, Local Government Code, does not apply to a loan, line of credit, or other borrowing from a bank or financial ins…

Sec. 3948.205. TAXES FOR BONDS. At the time the district issues bonds payable wholly or partly from ad valorem taxes, the board shall provide for the annual imposition of a continuing direct annual ad valorem tax, without limit as to rate or amount, for each year that all or part…

Sec. 3948.206. BONDS FOR ROAD PROJECTS. At the time of issuance, the total principal amount of bonds or other obligations issued or incurred to finance road projects and payable from ad valorem taxes may not exceed one-fourth of the assessed value of the real property in the dist…

Sec. 3948.251. AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH DEFINED AREAS OR DESIGNATED PROPERTY. The district may define areas or designate certain property of the district to pay for improvements, facilities, or services that primarily benefit that area or property and do not generally and directly …

Sec. 3948.252. PROCEDURE FOR ELECTION. (a) Before the district may impose an ad valorem tax or issue bonds payable from ad valorem taxes of the defined area or designated property, the board shall hold an election in the defined area or in the designated property only. (b) The bo…