2005 Texas Local Government Code CHAPTER 379. NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT IMPACT ZONE

LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE

CHAPTER 379. NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT IMPACT ZONE


	§ 379.001. DEFINITION.  In this chapter, "zone" means a 
North American Free Trade Agreement impact zone created by a 
municipality under this chapter.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1150, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.          


	§ 379.002. CREATION OF ZONE.  A municipality may create a 
zone covering a part of the municipality if the municipality 
determines the creation of the zone would promote:
		(1)  business opportunities for local businesses in the 
zone;               
		(2)  an increase in economic development in the zone;  
or                   
		(3)  employment opportunities for residents of the 
zone.                    

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1150, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.          


	§ 379.003. ADOPTION OF ZONE.  (a) A municipality may 
create a zone if the governing body of the municipality adopts a 
resolution containing:
		(1)  the determination described by Section 379.002;                          
		(2)  a description of the boundaries of the zone;  and                        
		(3)  a finding by the governing body that the creation 
of the zone satisfies the requirements of Section 312.202, Tax 
Code.
	(b)  A municipality may create more than one zone and may 
include an area in more than one zone.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1150, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.          


	§ 379.004. ADDITIONAL POWERS.  A municipality may:                          
		(1)  waive or adopt fees related to the construction of 
buildings in the zone, including fees related to the inspection of 
buildings and impact fees;
		(2)  enter into agreements, for a period of not more 
than 10 years, for the purpose of benefiting the zone, for sales tax 
refunds or abatements of municipal sales tax on sales made in the 
zone;
		(3)  enter into agreements abating municipal property 
taxes on property in the zone subject to the duration limits of 
Section 312.204, Tax Code;  and
		(4)  set baseline performance standards, such as the 
Energy Star Program as developed by the Department of Energy, to 
encourage the use of alternative building materials that address 
concerns relating to the environment or to building costs, 
maintenance, or energy consumption.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1150, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.          


	§ 379.005. NAFTA DISPLACED WORKERS.  (a) A business that 
operates in a zone and receives benefits as a result of a 
municipality's action under Section 379.004(1), (2), or (3) shall 
make a good faith effort to hire individuals receiving NAFTA 
transitional adjustment assistance under 19 U.S.C. Section 2331.
	(b)  A business described by Subsection (a) shall annually 
report to the governing body of the municipality on what percentage 
of the total number of individuals hired by the business during the 
year covered by the report is comprised of individuals described by 
Subsection (a).

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1150, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.