Relating to civil liability for erecting or maintaining certain outdoor signs or advertising.
Impact
The introduction of HB 875 represents an important change to existing laws governing outdoor advertising. The bill specifies that district, county, or municipal attorneys can sue to collect civil penalties for violations related to unauthorized signage on public road rights-of-way. This modification could lead to a more structured enforcement approach, allowing local authorities to recoup reasonable attorney's fees incurred in such cases. The bill's provisions apply to violations occurring after its effective date, showing a clear delineation between past and future violations.
Summary
House Bill 875 aims to address civil liability concerns related to the erection or maintenance of certain outdoor signs or advertising within the state of Texas. The bill amends specific sections of the Transportation Code to provide clarity on the penalties associated with unauthorized sign placement. Notably, it establishes that individuals who intentionally violate the relevant codes may face civil penalties rather than criminal penalties, which indicates a shift towards less punitive measures for violations regarding outdoor signage.
Contention
While the bill itself appears straightforward, it may be subject to contention depending on how local governments interpret their enforcement authority and the civil penalties that may arise from it. Stakeholders may have differing views on the balance between regulating outdoor advertising and ensuring that local jurisdictions maintain some level of control over public spaces. Additionally, the clarity around penalties might lead to disputes over the nature of signage authorized by law versus what constitutes a violation, which could invoke further debate within legislative circles.
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