H.B. No. 5655 establishes the Fort Bend County Water Control and Improvement District No. 13 under Chapter 9095 of the Special District Local Laws Code, aimed at managing water control, waste, stormwater, and road construction and maintenance. The governance structure includes an election to confirm the district's creation and elect a board of five permanent directors, with temporary directors serving until the election. The district will have limited powers of eminent domain restricted to its boundaries, the authority to issue bonds, and the ability to impose assessments, fees, and taxes for funding. Notably, the district can issue bonds without an election for certain revenue sources but must hold an election for ad valorem taxes. A significant addition to the bill is the new section Sec. 9095.0306. NO EMINENT DOMAIN POWER. The district may not exercise the power of eminent domain., which explicitly prohibits the district from taking private property for public use without the owner's consent. The bill outlines the procedural requirements for its passage, including the need for a two-thirds vote from both legislative houses for immediate effect. If the required vote is not achieved, the new section will still be added to the Special District Local Laws Code, with the act taking effect on September 1, 2025. The bill has met the necessary constitutional and legislative requirements for consideration.

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