Relating to subdivision plat requirements in certain counties; authorizing a fee; authorizing a civil penalty; creating a criminal offense.
Impact
The proposed changes will enforce stricter regulations on land development, particularly in counties located near the international border. It mandates that subdivisions must meet specific water and sewer requirements before sales can occur, which could lead to improved public health and safety standards. This shift may also affect local government operations, as they will have more authority to enforce compliance and collect fees.
Summary
House Bill 3680 aims to modify subdivision plat requirements specifically in certain counties and introduces measures for civil and criminal penalties related to unauthorized subdivision sales. The bill authorizes local government to impose fees and penalties for violations concerning utility service connections and subdivision plats, thereby emphasizing the importance of adhering to established regulations in land development.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 3680 varies among stakeholders. Supporters believe it is a crucial step towards ensuring safe and regulated land development, particularly in vulnerable areas lacking necessary utilities. However, opponents express concern that these regulations may hinder property sales and create financial burdens for developers and buyers alike.
Contention
Key points of contention include the appropriateness of enforcing such stringent requirements and penalties that could result in criminal charges for violations. Critics argue that the bill may disproportionately impact smaller developers and low-income buyers, particularly in economically distressed areas. The potential criminalization of inadvertent mistakes related to platting and subdivision sales raises serious questions about fairness and accessibility in real estate transactions.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Local Government Code
Chapter 232. County Regulation Of Subdivisions
Section: 0015
Section: 022
Section: 071
Section: New Section
Section: 0015
Section: 022
Section: 071
Section: New Section
Section: 0015
Section: 022
Section: 071
Section: New Section
Section: 0015
Section: 022
Section: 071
Section: 091
Section: New Section
Section: 0015
Section: 022
Section: 071
Section: 091
Section: New Section
Section: 071
Section: 091
Section: New Section
Section: 0015
Section: 022
Section: 071
Section: 091
Section: New Section
Section: 0015
Section: 022
Section: 071
Section: 091
Chapter 212. Municipal Regulation Of Subdivisions And Property Development
Section: 012
Section: 012
Section: 012
Section: 012
Chapter 1. General Provisions
Section: New Section
Water Code
Chapter 16. Provisions Generally Applicable To Water Development
Relating to defenses to prosecution of the criminal offenses of gambling, keeping a gambling place, and possession of a gambling device, equipment, or paraphernalia and county regulation of poker clubs; providing civil penalties; authorizing an occupational license; authorizing a fee; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to defenses to prosecution of the criminal offenses of gambling, keeping a gambling place, and possession of a gambling device, equipment, or paraphernalia and county regulation of poker clubs; providing civil penalties; authorizing an occupational license; authorizing a fee; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the regulation of land development, including county building code standards for new residential construction, and sales in certain counties and municipalities; providing penalties.