SPECIAL DISTRICT LOCAL LAWS CODE

TITLE 4. DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENT

SUBTITLE C. DEVELOPMENT, IMPROVEMENT, AND MANAGEMENT

CHAPTER 3842.  NASA AREA MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

SUBCHAPTER A.  GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 3842.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Board" means the board of directors of the district.
(2)  "District" means the NASA Area Management District.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.002.  NASA AREA MANAGEMENT DISTRICT.  The district is a special district created under Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.003.  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 district and in authorizing the City of Nassau Bay, Harris County, and other political subdivisions to contract with the district, the legislature has established a program to accomplish the public purposes set out in Section 52-a, Article III, Texas Constitution.
(b)  The creation of the district is necessary to promote, develop, encourage, and maintain employment, commerce, transportation, housing, tourism, recreation, the arts, entertainment, economic development, safety, and the public welfare in the district territory.
(c)  This chapter and the creation of the district may not be interpreted to relieve Harris County or the City of Nassau Bay from providing the level of services provided, as of the effective date of the Act enacting this chapter, to the area in the district.  The district is created to supplement and not to supplant the county or city services provided in the area in the district.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.004.  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 Sections 52 and 52-a, Article III, and Section 59, Article XVI, Texas Constitution, and other powers granted under this chapter.
(c)  The creation of the district is in the public interest and is essential to:
(1)  further the public purposes of developing and diversifying the economy of the state;
(2)  eliminate unemployment and underemployment; and
(3)  develop or expand transportation and commerce.
(d)  The district will:
(1)  promote the health, safety, and general welfare of residents, employers, potential employees, employees, visitors, and consumers in the district, and of the public;
(2)  provide needed funding for the district to preserve, maintain, and enhance the economic health and vitality of the district territory as a community and business center; and
(3)  promote the health, safety, welfare, and enjoyment of the public by providing pedestrian ways and by landscaping and developing certain areas in the district, which are necessary for the restoration, preservation, and enhancement of scenic beauty.
(e)  Pedestrian ways along or across a street, whether at grade or above or below the surface, and street lighting, street landscaping, parking, and street art objects are parts of and necessary components of a street and are considered to be a street or road improvement.
(f)  The district will not act as the agent or instrumentality of any private interest even though the district will benefit many private interests as well as the public.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.005.  DISTRICT TERRITORY.  (a)  The district is composed of the territory described by Section 3 of the Act enacting this chapter, as that territory may have been modified under:
(1)  Subchapter J, Chapter 49, Water Code;
(2)  Section 3842.108; or
(3)  other law.
(b)  The boundaries and field notes of the district contained in Section 3 of the Act enacting this chapter form a closure.  A mistake in the field notes or in copying the field notes in the legislative process does not in any way affect the district's:
(1)  organization, existence, or validity;
(2)  right to issue any type of bond for a purpose for which the district is created or to pay the principal of and interest on the bond;
(3)  right to impose or collect an assessment or a sales and use tax; or
(4)  legality or operation.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.006.  ELIGIBILITY FOR INCLUSION IN SPECIAL ZONES.  All or any part of the area of the district is eligible, regardless of other statutory criteria, to be included in:
(1)  a tax increment reinvestment zone created by the City of Nassau Bay or another governmental entity under Chapter 311, Tax Code;
(2)  a tax abatement reinvestment zone created by the City of Nassau Bay or another governmental entity under Chapter 312, Tax Code; or
(3)  an enterprise zone created by the City of Nassau Bay or another governmental entity under Chapter 2303, Government Code.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.007.  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 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.008.  LIBERAL CONSTRUCTION OF CHAPTER.  This chapter shall be liberally construed in conformity with the findings and purposes stated in this chapter.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

SUBCHAPTER B.  BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sec. 3842.051.  COMPOSITION; TERMS.  (a)  The district is governed by a board of seven voting directors who serve staggered terms of four years, with three or four directors' terms expiring June 1 of each odd-numbered year.
(b)  The governing body of the City of Nassau Bay may change the number of voting directors on the board.  The board may not consist of fewer than five or more than 15 voting directors.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.052.  APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTORS.  (a)  The mayor and members of the governing body of the City of Nassau Bay shall appoint voting directors.  A person is appointed if a majority of the members of the governing body, including the mayor, vote to appoint that person.
(b)  Section 375.063, Local Government Code, does not apply to the district.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.053.  NONVOTING DIRECTORS.  (a)  The following persons serve as nonvoting directors:
(1)  the presiding officer of the City of Nassau Bay's planning and zoning commission;
(2)  the City of Nassau Bay's director of public works; and
(3)  the City of Nassau Bay's chief of police.
(b)  If a department described by Subsection (a) is consolidated, renamed, or changed, the board may appoint a director of the consolidated, renamed, or changed department as a nonvoting director.  If a department described by Subsection (a) is abolished, the board may appoint a representative of another department that performs duties comparable to those performed by the abolished department.
(c)  The board may appoint other nonvoting directors to serve at the pleasure of the voting directors.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.054.  QUORUM.  For purposes of determining whether a quorum of the board is present, 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 vote because of a conflict of interest; or
(3)  a nonvoting director.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

SUBCHAPTER C.  POWERS AND DUTIES

Sec. 3842.101.  ADDITIONAL POWERS OF DISTRICT.  The district may exercise the powers given to:
(1)  a corporation under Chapter 505, Local Government Code, including the power to own, operate, acquire, construct, lease, improve, or maintain a project described by that chapter; and
(2)  a housing finance corporation under Chapter 394, Local Government Code, to provide housing or residential development projects in the district.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.
Amended by: 
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969), Sec. 21.027, eff. September 1, 2009.

Sec. 3842.102.  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 power of and is considered for purposes of this chapter to be a local government corporation created under Chapter 431, Transportation Code; and
(2)  may implement any project and provide any service authorized by this chapter.
(c)  The board shall appoint the board of directors of the nonprofit corporation.  A director of the corporation is not required to reside in the district.
(d)  The board of directors of the nonprofit corporation shall serve in the same manner as the board of directors of a local government corporation created under Chapter 431, Transportation Code.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.103.  AGREEMENTS; GRANTS.  (a)  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 Chapter 791, Government Code.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.104.  AUTHORITY TO CONTRACT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT.  To protect the public interest, the district may contract with a qualified provider, including Harris County or the City of Nassau Bay, to provide law enforcement services in the district for a fee.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.105.  APPROVAL BY CITY OF NASSAU BAY.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), the district must obtain the approval of the City of Nassau Bay for:
(1)  the issuance of bonds for an improvement project;
(2)  the imposition of a sales and use tax;
(3)  the plans and specifications of an improvement project financed by the bonds; and
(4)  the plans and specifications of an improvement project related to the use of land owned by the City of Nassau Bay, an easement granted by the City of Nassau Bay, or a right-of-way of a street, road, or highway.
(b)  The approval obtained under Subsection (a)(1) or (2) must be a resolution or ordinance of the governing body of the City of Nassau Bay.  The approval obtained under Subsection (a)(3) or (4) may be by an administrative process that does not involve the city's governing body.
(c)  If the district obtains the approval of the City of Nassau Bay's governing body of a capital improvements budget for a period not to exceed five years, the district may finance the capital improvements and issue bonds specified in the budget without further approval from the City of Nassau Bay.
(d)  The City of Nassau Bay and the district may agree on conditions for obtaining the approval of the city under this section, including an agreement for the approval of a sales and use tax that requires the district to abolish or decrease the rate of the tax if the rate, when combined with other local sales and use taxes, results in a combined tax rate that exceeds the maximum rate under Section 321.101(f), Tax Code, at any location in the district.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.106.  MEMBERSHIP IN CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS.  The district may join and pay dues to an organization that:
(1)  is exempt from the payment of federal income taxes under Section 501(a), Internal Revenue Code of 1986, by being listed as an exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3), (4), or (6), Internal Revenue Code of 1986; and
(2)  performs a service or provides an activity consistent with the furtherance of a district purpose.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.107.  ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND OTHER POWERS RELATED TO PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT.  (a)  The district may establish and provide for the administration of one or more programs to promote state or local economic development and to stimulate business and commercial activity in the district, including programs to:
(1)  make loans and grants of public money; and
(2)  provide district personnel and services.
(b)  The district has all of the powers of a municipality under Chapter 380, Local Government Code.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.108.  ANNEXATION.  In addition to the authority to annex territory under Subchapter J, Chapter 49, Water Code, the district may by board resolution annex territory located in the City of Nassau Bay if the city's governing body by ordinance or resolution consents to the annexation.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.109.  NO EMINENT DOMAIN.  The district may not exercise the power of eminent domain.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

SUBCHAPTER D.  FINANCIAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 3842.151.  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 the district's money.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.152.  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 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.153.  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 board.
(b)  A petition filed under Subsection (a) must be signed by:
(1)  the owners of a majority of the assessed value of real property in the district subject to assessment according to the most recent certified tax appraisal roll for Harris County;
(2)  at least 25 persons who own real property in the district, if more than 25 persons own real property in the district according to the most recent certified tax appraisal roll for Harris County;
(3)  the owners of a majority of the surface area of real property in the district subject to assessment as determined by the board; or
(4)  the owners of a majority of the number of platted lots of real property subject to assessment as determined by the board.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.154.  METHOD OF NOTICE FOR HEARING.  The district may mail the notice required by Section 375.115(c), Local Government Code, by certified United States mail or an equivalent service that can provide a record of mailing or other delivery.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.155.  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 correction of the assessment roll by the district, penalties and interest on an assessment or reassessment, an expense of collection, and reasonable attorney's fees incurred by the district:
(1)  are a first and prior lien against the property assessed;
(2)  are superior to any other lien or claim other than a lien or claim for county, school district, or municipal ad valorem taxes; and
(3)  are the personal liability of and a charge against the owners of the property even if the owners are not named in the assessment proceedings.
(c)  The lien is effective from the date of the board's resolution imposing the assessment until the date the assessment is paid.  The board may enforce the lien in the same manner that an ad valorem tax lien against real property is enforced.
(d)  The board may make a correction to or deletion from the assessment roll that does not increase the amount of assessment of any parcel of land without providing notice and holding a hearing in the manner required for additional assessments.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.156.  UTILITY PROPERTY EXEMPT FROM IMPACT FEES AND ASSESSMENTS.  The district may not impose an impact fee or assessment on the property, including the equipment, rights-of-way, facilities, or improvements, of:
(1)  an electric utility or a power generation company as defined by Section 31.002, Utilities Code;
(2)  a gas utility as defined by Section 101.003 or 121.001, Utilities Code;
(3)  a telecommunications provider as defined by Section 51.002, Utilities Code; or
(4)  a person who provides to the public cable television or advanced telecommunications services.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.157.  BONDS AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS.  (a)  The district may issue by competitive bid or negotiated sale bonds or other obligations payable wholly or partly from taxes, assessments, impact fees, revenue, grants, or other money of the district, or any combination of those sources of money, to pay for any authorized purpose of the district.
(b)  Section 375.243, Local Government Code, does not apply to the district.
(c)  The limitation on the outstanding principal amount of bonds, notes, and other obligations provided by Section 49.4645(a), Water Code, does not apply to the district.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.158.  CITY NOT REQUIRED TO PAY DISTRICT OBLIGATIONS.  Except as provided by Section 375.263, Local Government Code, the City of Nassau Bay is not required to pay a bond, note, or other obligation of the district.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.159.  COMPETITIVE BIDDING.  Section 375.221, Local Government Code, applies to the district only for a contract that has a value greater than $50,000.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.160.  TAX AND ASSESSMENT ABATEMENTS.  The district may grant in the manner authorized by Chapter 312, Tax Code, an abatement for a tax or assessment owed to the district.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.161.  TAX INCREMENT FINANCING POWERS.  (a)  The district may designate all or any part of the district as a tax increment reinvestment zone, and the district may use tax increment financing under Chapter 311, Tax Code, in the manner provided by that chapter for a municipality, except as modified by this section.
(b)  The district has all powers provided under Chapter 311, Tax Code.
(c)  The district and an overlapping taxing unit may enter into an interlocal agreement for the payment of all or a portion of the tax increment of the unit to the district.
(d)  For the purpose of tax increment financing under this section, the board functions as the board of directors of the reinvestment zone.  Section 311.009, Tax Code, does not apply to the district.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

SUBCHAPTER E.  SALES AND USE TAX

Sec. 3842.201.  MEANINGS OF WORDS AND PHRASES.  Words and phrases used in this subchapter that are defined by Chapters 151 and 321, Tax Code, have the meanings assigned by Chapters 151 and 321, Tax Code.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.202.  APPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN TAX CODE PROVISIONS.  (a)  Except as otherwise provided by this subchapter, Subtitles A and B, Title 2, Tax Code, and Chapter 151, Tax Code, apply to taxes imposed under this subchapter and to the administration and enforcement of those taxes in the same manner that those laws apply to state taxes.
(b)  Chapter 321, Tax Code, relating to municipal sales and use taxes applies to the application, collection, change, and administration of a sales and use tax imposed under this subchapter to the extent consistent with this chapter, as if references in Chapter 321, Tax Code, to a municipality referred to the district and references to a governing body referred to the board.
(c)  Sections 321.106, 321.401, 321.402, 321.403, 321.404, 321.406, 321.409, 321.506, 321.507, and 321.508, Tax Code, do not apply to a tax imposed under this subchapter.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.203.  AUTHORIZATION.  The district may adopt a sales and use tax for the benefit of the district.  The board is not required to call an election to adopt the tax.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.204.  ABOLISHING SALES AND USE TAX.  (a)  Except as provided in Subsection (b), the board, with the consent of the governing body of the City of Nassau Bay, may abolish the sales and use tax without an election.
(b)  The board may not abolish the sales and use tax if the district has outstanding debt secured by the tax.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

Sec. 3842.205.  SALES AND USE TAX RATE.  (a)  On adoption of the tax authorized by this subchapter, there is imposed a tax at the rate authorized by the district on the receipts from the sale at retail of taxable items within the district, and an excise tax on the use, storage, or other consumption within the district of taxable items purchased, leased, or rented from a retailer within the district during the period that the tax is in effect.
(b)  The board shall determine the tax rate.  The rate may not exceed the rate authorized by the governing body of the City of Nassau Bay.
(c)  With the consent of the governing body of the City of Nassau Bay, the board may reduce the tax rate to the extent the reduction does not impair any outstanding debt or other obligations payable from the tax.
(d)  The rate of the excise tax is the same as the rate of the sales tax portion of the tax and is applied to the sales price of the taxable item.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.

SUBCHAPTER F.  DISSOLUTION

Sec. 3842.251.  DISSOLUTION OF DISTRICT WITH OUTSTANDING DEBT.  (a)  The board may dissolve the district regardless of whether the district has debt.  Section 375.264, Local Government Code, does not apply to the district.
(b)  If the district has debt when it is dissolved, the district shall remain in existence solely for the purpose of discharging its debts.  The dissolution is effective when all debts have been discharged.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 589 (S.B. 1999), Sec. 2, eff. June 16, 2007.