Texas Senate Bill SB1471

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 5/1/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/12/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/20/09

Caption

Relating to the evaluation of certain regional planning commissions.

Impact

The implications of SB1471 are significant for the governance and collaboration among local governments in Texas. By restricting populous counties to collaborate solely with municipalities within their boundaries, the bill may streamline planning efforts and ensure that regional strategies are more closely aligned with local needs. However, this could also hinder broader regional cooperation among multiple counties, potentially isolating smaller jurisdictions and limiting collaborative opportunities for regional projects and resource sharing.

Summary

Senate Bill 1471 aims to amend Section 391.003 of the Local Government Code, specifically targeting the composition of regional planning commissions in Texas. The bill stipulates that counties with a population of 3.3 million or more are permitted to establish a regional planning commission only with the municipalities that are located wholly or partly within the county. Moreover, these populous counties are prohibited from forming a commission with other counties, effectively centralizing regional planning efforts within single counties rather than across multiple jurisdictions.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1471 revolve around the balance of power between local governments. Proponents of the bill argue that it empowers larger counties to take control of their regional planning without interference from smaller neighboring counties, thereby allowing for more effective governance. On the other hand, critics contend that the bill undermines the ability of various local governments to work together strategically on issues that transcend county lines, such as infrastructure development and resource distribution, which would be vital for cohesive regional growth.