Texas Senate Bill SJR47

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing a county to regulate land development if approved by a majority vote in a countywide election.

Impact

The passage of SJR47 would significantly impact state laws relating to local governance and land use. By allowing counties to regulate development through local ordinances, the amendment would enable more tailored approaches to land management that are aligned with specific community needs. This could lead to improved compatibility in land use, enhanced public safety, and better conservation of essential resources such as water. However, it also raises questions about the potential for inconsistent regulations between neighboring jurisdictions and the capacity of counties to effectively administer such regulations.

Summary

SJR47 proposes a constitutional amendment that grants counties the authority to regulate land development, contingent upon approval by a majority vote in a countywide election. The amendment seeks to amend Article IX of the Texas Constitution by adding Section 15, which would empower counties to exercise limited ordinance-making authority specifically for the purpose of land development regulation. This provision is aimed at allowing local governments to address land use issues in unincorporated areas, thereby increasing local governance and community involvement in land planning decisions.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SJR47 involve concerns about the sufficiency of local governance structures to handle the complexities of land development regulation. Critics argue that while local input is valuable, the capacity and expertise to regulate land effectively may vary significantly between counties. Additionally, there is potential for conflict arising from differing regulations across counties, which could complicate property development and impact economic growth. Proponents, however, emphasize the importance of empowering local communities to take charge of their development paths, advocating that local voters should have the ultimate say in such matters.