Texas House Bill HB4412

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the regulation of recreational vehicle parks.

Impact

The bill empowers county authorities to establish and enforce standards that must be adhered to by developers before commencing construction on proposed recreational vehicle parks or manufactured home communities. These standards will help to address public health concerns and safety issues that can arise from inadequate infrastructure. County engineers will be tasked with approving infrastructure development plans, and once approved, these communities can begin construction under the specified recommendations. This change is significant as it centralizes regulatory authority at the county level, potentially impacting how local housing markets will evolve.

Summary

House Bill 4412 aims to establish regulations for recreational vehicle parks and manufactured home rental communities in Texas. The legislation modifies the Local Government Code to enhance oversight on infrastructure development in such communities, especially those located outside municipal limits. By adopting minimum infrastructure standards, counties gain the ability to ensure amenities like adequate drainage, water supply, and sanitary sewer access in these parks. This will potentially improve living conditions and public safety in these areas, which often face less stringent regulations compared to traditional housing sectors.

Contention

There may be contention surrounding the bill's provisions regarding local control and the flexibility of the commissioners court in imposing these standards. Advocates for the bill recognize that uniform standards will promote better living conditions, while opposition may argue that excessive regulations could hamper development and increase costs for both developers and potential residents. Critics may express concern over whether these regulations could disproportionately affect low-income families who rely on affordable housing options in manufactured home parks.