In a victory for special districts across the country, last week, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee approved the Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act. The legislation (H.R. 2766), which is sponsored by Representatives Pat Fallon (R-TX) and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), cleared the committee on a strong, bipartisan vote of 32-8.
To view the committee's action on H.R. 2766, please click here. The discussion on the bill begins at the 8:15 mark.
The Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act embodies NSDA's longstanding objective of codifying in federal law a first-ever, formal definition of special district. In addition to establishing such a definition, H.R. 2766 would direct the White House Office of Management and Budget to issue guidance to federal agencies requiring special districts to be recognized as local governments for the purpose of federal financial assistance determinations.
Looking ahead, the legislation is expected to be considered by the full House of Representatives at some point in the near future. As of this writing, it is unclear exactly when House leaders will schedule the bill for a floor vote. In the meantime, special districts are encouraged to reach out to their House delegation members to urge them to support H.R. 2766.
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