Project Spotlight: Government Relations
Expanded Authority for District Parks (HB 1410)
In 2003, Texas legislation first authorized water districts in certain counties to develop and finance parks and recreational facilities, with bonds limited to one percent of the district’s total taxable property value. While groundbreaking, this limitation constrained districts’ ability to invest in parks and amenities as communities grew.
Legislative Achievement
Tripled park bond capacity for eligible districts
Fiscal Safeguards
Established clear TCEQ eligibility requirements for qualification
Timeline
Effective June 14, 2021
Collaborative Advocacy
Coordinated support from hundreds of organizations and water districts through letters and resolutions
The Challenge
Expanding bonding authority required new state legislation to amend the Texas Water Code. The resulting legislation needed to balance local flexibility with taxpayer protection through clear eligibility criteria.
The Solution
House Bill 1410, effective June 14, 2021, increased the maximum park bond capacity while ensuring that any expanded authority applied only to districts meeting strict financial standards.
ABHR’s Role
The effort involved building legislative support, coordinating testimony from numerous stakeholder organizations, demonstrating fiscal safeguards, and ensuring that any expanded authority applied only to districts meeting strict financial standards.