Governor Abbott vetoes HB 4703 (86R)
Pursuant to Article IV, Section 14, of the Texas Constitution, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby disapprove of and veto House Bill No. 4703 as passed by the Eighty-Sixth Texas Legislature, Regular Session, because of the following objections:
House Bill 4703 would create Harris County Improvement District No. 28 within the City of Houston. This municipal management district would be authorized to impose not only new assessments, but also to impose more ad valorem taxes on properties in its territory to fund certain infrastructure and services. These properties, however, are wholly within the service area of the city and its water utility. That means this district would be using its new ad valorem taxation to fund infrastructure and services that the city is already imposing its own taxes to provide. The City of Houston has a history of using special purpose districts to subject citizens to double taxation, and this district would be another example. The creation of such a district should not be used as a tool to circumvent property tax reforms, including the meaningful reform passed this session in Senate Bill 2.
Since the Eighty-Sixth Texas Legislature, Regular Session, by its adjournment has prevented the return of this bill, I am filing these objections in the office of the Secretary of State and giving notice thereof by this public proclamation according to the aforementioned constitutional provision.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have signed my name officially and caused the Seal of the State to be affixed hereto at Austin, this 15th day of June, 2019.
GREG ABBOTT
Governor