(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), this chapter applies only to a county that:(1) has a population of 50,000 or more and borders the Gulf of Mexico or a bay or inlet opening into the gulf;(2) has a population of 2.5 million or more;(3) is adjacent to a county that has a population of 2.5 million or more; or(4) borders the United Mexican States.(b) A local government corporation created under Chapter 431 in a county to which this chapter applies has the same powers as a county acting under this chapter, except as provided by Chapter 362. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 875, Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2003.Amended by: Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1163 (H.B. 2702), Sec. 124, eff. September 1, 2011.Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 644 (H.B. 4559), Sec. 242, eff. September 1, 2023.