Oppose Multiple Bills in Committees This Week:

Municipal Utilities, Repeal of Local Business Taxes and Millage Rates/Supermajority Vote

NOTE: This alert consolidates multiple issues.


Overarching Message:

  • Tell lawmakers that these legislatively authorized revenue sources are not arbitrary impositions; they are mechanisms to sustain essential services. 


When possible, share the local impacts that these bills will have on your city. 

Municipal Water or Sewer Utility Rates, Fees and Charges

CS/HB 777 (Brackett) eliminates surcharge on extraterritorial water and sewer service and requires all rates to be the same.

  • This may lead to city residents subsidizing service to nonresidents.
  • Municipalities should not be punished for serving others.

 

View the Bill Summary


Municipal Utilities

CS/HB 1277 (Busatta Cabrera) caps transfers of utility revenues and eliminates surcharges on extraterritorial customers.

  • Punishes good actors, hurts fiscally constrained communities and may jeopardize bond financing and planned projects.


View the Bill Summary


HB 777 (Brackett) and HB 1277 (Busatta Cabrera) will be considered by the Local Administration, Federal Affairs and Special Districts Subcommittee on Wednesday, January 31, at 2:00 p.m.


Please contact members of the committee to oppose these bills. Click here for the Local Administration, Federal Affairs and Special Districts Subcommittee contact information. 

Repeal of Local Business Tax

HB 609 (Botana) repeals the Local Business Tax.

  • Eliminates one of four municipal general revenue sources.


View the Bill Summary


The League sent a letter to Representative Adam Botana regarding our issues with the legislation. Click here to view the letter.


HB 609 (Botana) will be considered by the House Ways & Means Committee on Wednesday, January 31, at 9:00 a.m.


Please contact members of the committee to oppose this bill. Click here for the House Ways & Means Committee contact information. 

Millage Rates/Supermajority Vote

CS/HB 1195 (Garrison) requires supermajority approval of a governing body to increase the millage rate.


  • Creates an unreasonable bar for basic funding for public services.

 

View the Bill Summary


The League sent a letter to Representative Sam Garrison regarding our issues with the legislation. Click here to view the letter.


HB 1195 (Garrison) will be considered by the House Local Administration, Federal Affairs and Special Districts Subcommittee on Wednesday, January 31, at 2:00 p.m.


Please contact members of the committee to oppose this bill. Click here for the House Local Administration, Federal Affairs and Special Districts Subcommittee contact information. 

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