Texas House Bill HB1132

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Caption

Relating to the time permitted for the abatement of a public nuisance.

Impact

The bill is significant as it directly influences how quickly local authorities and citizens must act in response to public nuisances. By shortening the abatement period, the bill aims to facilitate quicker remediation of issues that could be detrimental to community health and safety. This change could potentially lead to more immediate actions against properties or situations deemed unsafe or unsanitary, thereby improving local quality of life.

Summary

House Bill 1132, titled 'Relating to the time permitted for the abatement of a public nuisance,' proposes to amend Section 343.012(a) of the Texas Health and Safety Code. This amendment reduces the timeframe allowed for the abatement of a public nuisance from 30 days to 15 days after a notice is received from a county official. The intent behind the bill is to expedite the resolution of public nuisances, which can include a range of issues that might affect community health and safety.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 1132 appears to be largely supportive among legislators who prioritize rapid response to public health and safety concerns. Advocates argue that the faster abatement period will result in healthier communities and more proactive governance. However, there may also be concerns from property owners about the potential for increased penalties and hasty decisions that might not take individual circumstances into account.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the implications the bill could have on property rights and the enforcement actions of local authorities. Opponents may argue that reducing the abatement time could lead to hasty actions against properties without proper consideration of the owner’s ability to remedy the situation. Additionally, some community members may express concern over how this bill could impact policing of local regulations, potentially leading to conflicts between local ordinances and state mandates.