Upper East Texas News

Rep. Pat Fallon from Texas has put forth the Special District Fairness Act. This proposed legislation aims to establish a federal definition for "special district" and ensure these districts have access to federal financial assistance. According to Rep. Fallon, the bill is designed to address funding inequities affecting numerous special districts, including the more than 3,350 in Texas, which are currently limited in obtaining certain federal funds.

“The consequence of current law is that some communities served by special districts—more than 3,350 of which are located in the State of Texas alone—cannot access certain federal funding opportunities, which has a huge impact on the ability of special districts to provide vital services and meet community needs,” stated Rep. Fallon.

The bill emphasizes equitable access to existing federal funds rather than increasing government expenditure. “Importantly, this bill does not increase government spending. Rather, it levels the playing field by allowing special districts equal access to the same federal funds authorized by Congress that have been made available to other local governments,” he explained. Fallon highlighted the legislation's role in providing essential resources and flexibility for these districts.

“This piece of legislation resets the board and ensures special districts have the resources, autonomy, and flexibility to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing their communities,” Fallon added.

The bill proposes requiring the White House Office of Management and Budget to mandate that special districts be recognized as local governments for purposes related to federal financial assistance. The legislation also introduces a formal definition for special districts at the federal level. As described, a special district is “a political subdivision of a State, with specified boundaries and significant budgetary autonomy or control, created by or pursuant to the laws of the State, for the purpose of performing limited and specific governmental or proprietary functions that distinguish it as a significantly separate entity from the administrative governance structure of any other form of local government unit within a State.”