Texas House Bill HB3199

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to cemeteries in certain municipalities and counties.

Impact

The bill's impact is twofold; first, it provides a framework for municipalities with populations over 750,000 to regulate local cemetery establishments more flexibly. Cities and counties can authorize cemetery operations under specific conditions that ensure public health and welfare are not adversely affected. This flexibility is crucial for communities facing land-use pressures due to population growth. The intentions behind the bill are to provide greater access to burial grounds for residents, reducing the distance one must travel to burial services, which can also alleviate logistical burdens on grieving families.

Summary

House Bill 3199 concerns the regulation of cemeteries in certain municipalities and counties within Texas. The bill introduces specific provisions that allow individuals or organizations to establish or operate cemeteries closer to urban areas than previously allowed. It amends Section 711.008 of the Health and Safety Code, significantly modifying the distances that restrict cemetery establishment based on municipal population sizes. The bill aims to accommodate the growing urban populations and the increasing demand for burial spaces in proximity to cities.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill does raise some concerns among stakeholders, particularly regarding the balance of local versus state authority. Opponents may argue that such encroachment into land-use decisions could undermine local governance, as municipalities traditionally hold authority over zoning and land use matters. There's also apprehension regarding the adequacy of health and safety provisions in rapid-growth areas, especially in managing the impacts of running a cemetery in urbanized settings, which may conflict with community standards and land-use priorities.