H.B. No. 4659 amends Section 351.152 of the Texas Tax Code to expand the authority of certain municipalities to utilize specific tax revenues for hotel and convention center projects. The bill outlines a comprehensive list of municipalities that qualify based on various population thresholds and geographic criteria. Notably, it introduces new eligibility criteria, including a municipality with a population of more than 16,000 but less than 18,000 located in a county with a population exceeding 2.5 million that is adjacent to a county with a population over 2.1 million. Additionally, it removes a previous criterion related to municipalities that are the county seat of a county with a population of 60,000 or less that borders the Rio Grande, while adding a new requirement that such municipalities must also host a United States military fort listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The bill aims to enhance the economic development potential of these municipalities by allowing them to invest in infrastructure that supports tourism and convention activities. The act will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds majority vote from both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will become effective on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Tax Code 351.152, Tax Code 351.157 (Tax Code 351)
House Committee Report: Tax Code 351.152 (Tax Code 351)