Texas House Bill HB2506

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to a limitation on causes of action related to permits issued by political subdivisions.

Impact

If enacted, HB2506 would have significant implications for the way that local permits are challenged in court. By imposing a five-year limit on lawsuits, the bill aims to reduce the timeframe in which challenges to local permitting decisions can be raised, potentially expediting project timelines for developers and local governments. However, it may also limit the recourse available to citizens who may feel aggrieved by a local government's permitting decisions but discover issues after the proposed time limit has expired.

Summary

House Bill 2506 proposes a limitation on causes of action related to permits issued by political subdivisions. The proposed amendment to the Civil Practice and Remedies Code establishes a five-year statute of limitations for initiating a lawsuit arising from claims related to permits issued by local governments. Specifically, it stipulates that individuals must bring their suits no later than the fifth anniversary of the relevant action, which could include the original application for a permit or a plan for development submitted to the local governmental entity.

Contention

Opponents of the bill may argue that imposing such a limitation unduly restricts the rights of individuals and communities to seek redress for grievances related to local permits. There may be concerns about the implications for transparency and accountability within local governance, particularly in cases where permits could lead to negative impacts on communities. Proponents, on the other hand, would likely assert that the bill promotes efficiency and reliability in local governance and development processes by providing clearer timelines and predictability regarding legal challenges to permits.