Relating to the authority of a county or municipality to regulate the location of halfway houses; providing a penalty.
Impact
The introduction of HB 230 is expected to significantly influence local zoning laws and administrative procedures surrounding halfway houses. Local governments will have the power to restrict where these facilities can be placed, particularly in proximity to schools, religious establishments, and residential neighborhoods. By defining the parameters under which halfway houses may operate, the bill seeks to address community concerns about safety and residential integrity, while also ensuring that facilities serve the rehabilitative needs of residents.
Summary
House Bill 230 pertains to the authority granted to counties and municipalities in Texas regarding the regulation of halfway houses. The bill establishes a legal framework that allows local governing bodies to create regulations concerning the location and operation of these facilities. Notably, a halfway house is defined as a residential facility for individuals who are under community supervision or parole. The bill aims to enhance public health, safety, and welfare by allowing local authorities to assess and regulate where these facilities may be established within their jurisdictions.
Contention
While the bill is geared towards ensuring community welfare, it has sparked debate regarding the implications for individuals seeking rehabilitation. Proponents argue that local regulations are necessary to maintain public safety and order, allowing communities to have a say in the establishment of such facilities. Conversely, critics express concern that restricting locations may limit access to essential rehabilitation services for individuals on parole or community supervision, potentially hindering their reintegration into society. This tension highlights the delicate balance between community concerns and the need for supportive housing options for vulnerable populations.
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 and voluntary licensing of reroofing contractors by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation; providing administrative and civil penalties; authorizing fees.
Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.
Relating to the regulation of migrant labor housing facilities; authorizing an increase in the amount of a fee; changing the amount of a civil penalty.
Relating to methods for the recovery of system restoration costs incurred by electric utilities following hurricanes, tropical storms, ice or snow storms, floods, and other weather-related events and natural disasters.
Relating to methods for the recovery of system restoration costs incurred by electric utilities following hurricanes, tropical storms, ice or snow storms, floods, and other weather-related events and natural disasters.
Relating to the response and resilience of certain electricity service providers to major weather-related events or other natural disasters; granting authority to issue bonds.