Texas House Bill HB3265

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/27/09

Caption

Relating to granting Hill Country counties regulatory authority and the authority to impose certain development fees; providing penalties.

Impact

The legislation emphasizes environmental protection and sustainable growth in the Hill Country, an area known for its natural landscapes that are critical to the state's tourism and ecological health. By granting counties the authority to regulate land development actively, the bill seeks to mitigate issues arising from unchecked growth that could adversely affect the region's natural resources, public health, and safety. The imposition of development fees is intended to fund necessary infrastructure improvements, ensuring that new developments contribute to the costs they incur on local resources.

Summary

House Bill 3265 aims to provide regulatory authority to counties within the Texas Hill Country region, enabling them to impose fees related to infrastructure development necessitated by new developments. The bill specifically targets counties, including Bandera, Blanco, Burnet, Comal, and others, allowing them to adopt regulations for land development to ensure orderly growth and protect the public interest. This includes the ability to charge an infrastructure cost recovery fee to manage the financial implications of increased services needed for new developments, such as waste management and road improvements.

Contention

Notably, some discussions surrounding HB 3265 may involve concerns over local governance and home rule authority. While proponents argue that the bill will provide much-needed oversight on development in sensitive ecological areas, critics may view it as an encroachment on individual property rights or local autonomy. The requirement for a county-wide election to approve these regulatory powers adds a layer of democratic process but could also be seen as a barrier to timely regulatory responsiveness as communities cope with rapid development pressures.