HB4313 - Relating to the authority of a political subdivision to use public money for an environmental project.

  89R22993 JBD-D     By: Bell of Montgomery H.B. No. 4313     Substitute the following for H.B. No. 4313:     By:  Bell of Montgomery C.S.H.B. No. 4313       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the authority of a political subdivision to use public   money for an environmental project.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Chapter 140, Local Government Code, is amended   by adding Section 140.014 to read as follows:           Sec.   140.014.     AUTHORITY TO USE PUBLIC MONEY FOR   ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT. (a) In this section:                 (1)     "Environmental project" means a project to reduce   greenhouse gas emissions, reduce the amount of pollutants reaching   the environment, or create public awareness of those or related   issues.                   (2)     "Political subdivision" means a county,   municipality, public school district, special purpose district or   authority, metropolitan or regional transit authority, port   authority, regional council of governments, regional planning   commission, county improvement district, or public improvement   district.           (b)     A political subdivision may not use public money to   plan, create, or operate an environmental project, including by   directly spending money for the project or by dedicating money for   the repayment of debt issued by the political subdivision for the   project.   The prohibition prescribed by this subsection applies to   public money obtained from any source, including from a tax, fee,   grant, or donation.           (c)     Subsection (b) does not apply to a political   subdivision's use of public money to:                 (1)  comply with a state or federal law;                 (2)     satisfy a statutory duty imposed on the political   subdivision, including for a project described by this subsection;                 (3)     improve flood control, drainage, or water   supplies;                 (4)     implement a water conservation or drought   contingency measure;                 (5)     construct or operate a renewable energy   infrastructure project that provides direct service to a facility   owned or operated by the political subdivision;                 (6)     improve the energy efficiency or resilience of a   facility owned or operated by the political subdivision;                 (7)     manage vegetation necessary to maintain public   safety, protect infrastructure, prevent wildfires, or support   flood and water management activities;                 (8)     engage in water quality, conservation, or resource   management activities;                 (9)     implement roadway maintenance, erosion control,   or infrastructure safety improvements necessary for public   transportation or road durability, other than a project to   construct or maintain electric vehicle charging stations,   alternative fuel infrastructure, or projects aimed at reducing   vehicle emissions;                 (10)     carry out environmental or energy efficiency   initiatives in public schools, colleges, hospitals, and health care   facilities necessary to meet operational or statutory   requirements; or                 (11)  manage waste disposal or sanitation services.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.