The bill, H.B. No. 300, amends Section 351.152 of the Texas Tax Code to expand the applicability of certain tax revenue derived from hotel and convention center projects to additional municipalities. The bill introduces new criteria for eligibility, specifically adding a new category for municipalities with a population of 47,000 or more that are located in two counties—one with a population of 2.1 million or more and the other with a population of 179,000 or more, and that are bisected by State Highway 174. Additionally, it removes a previous eligibility 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 and contains a United States military fort listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The bill aims to enhance the ability of certain municipalities to utilize tax revenue for development projects, thereby potentially stimulating local economies and promoting tourism. The changes reflect a targeted approach to support municipalities that meet specific demographic and geographic criteria, thereby broadening the scope of municipalities eligible for these financial benefits. The act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature or on the 91st day after the legislative session if such a vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Tax Code 351.152 (Tax Code 351)