Texas Senate Bill SB2553

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 5/7/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/15/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/22/09
• Voted on by House: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/28/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the regulatory authority of counties, including granting certain counties authority to regulate the cutting of certain trees; providing a penalty.

Impact

If enacted, SB2553 will allow the commissioners court of the specified counties to prohibit or impose restrictions on the clear-cutting of live oak trees. Violations of orders established under this new statute would be considered an offense and could be prosecuted similarly to existing state law violations. This local regulatory authority is designed to enhance the environmental oversight capabilities of certain counties, granting them tools necessary to protect local ecosystems and heritage.

Summary

Senate Bill 2553 aims to grant specific counties in Texas the authority to regulate the cutting of live oak trees within their unincorporated areas. This legislation is targeted at counties with a population of 50,000 or less that are situated along the Gulf of Mexico and contain at least one state park and one national wildlife refuge. The intention of the bill is to empower local governments to implement preservation measures for trees that are deemed significant to their environmental landscapes.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding this bill might stem from future clarity on how these regulations will be enforced and whether counties will have adequate resources and authority to manage potential conflicts with private landowners’ rights. The bill's focus on specific counties may raise concerns about its equitable application across the state. Local government leaders and environmental groups may support the initiative for environmental protection, while landowners might argue against potential restrictions on land use.