Texas Senate Bill SB673

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to plans by local governments in coastal areas for reducing public expenditures for erosion and storm damage losses to public and private property.

Impact

The bill establishes a framework for local governments to create and implement their erosion reduction plans, effectively mandating a proactive stance toward coastal management. The introduction of requirements such as holding public educational meetings underscores an emphasis on community involvement in the planning process. By implementing provisions like the establishment of building set-back lines, local governments can regulate new constructions and preserve critical natural resources such as sand dunes and public beach access, thus promoting long-term environmental sustainability.

Summary

SB673 aims to enhance local government planning in coastal areas of Texas by requiring the development of plans to reduce public expenditures related to erosion and storm damage losses. Specifically, the bill seeks to amend the Natural Resources Code, impacting how local governments assess and manage risks associated with coastal erosion. Under this legislation, local governments will need to consider historical erosion data and the coastal erosion response plan established by the commissioner when creating their plans. By doing so, the bill intends to provide a structured approach to safeguard public and private properties from erosion while optimizing the allocation of public funds.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB673 is the potential burden it places on local governments, as the requirement to develop detailed plans for managing erosion may involve significant resources and expertise. Critics may argue that smaller or resource-constrained municipalities could struggle to meet these new obligations adequately. Additionally, there may be disagreements regarding the appropriateness of state-mandated plans versus local autonomy in addressing community-specific needs related to coastal management. Balancing effective state oversight with the need for local adaptability may prove to be a contentious aspect of implementing the bill.