Texas Senate Bill SB1363

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/6/11
• Introduced: 3/9/11
• Refer: 3/22/11
• Report Pass: 4/6/11

Caption

Relating to county and municipal land development regulations; providing a penalty.

Impact

The implications of SB1363 extend to how counties and municipalities can regulate residential land development. It grants commissioners courts and municipal authorities the power to enforce regulations to prevent the proliferation of substandard housing and residential developments classified as colonias, particularly in counties bordering international territories. However, the bill also outlines that if conflicts arise between county orders and municipal ordinances, the municipality's ordinance will prevail, which may generate legal complexities regarding jurisdiction.

Summary

SB1363 is a legislative measure aimed at amending sections of the Local Government Code in Texas, specifically regarding county and municipal land development regulations. The bill introduces stricter standards and governance concerning new residential construction, aiming to enhance safety and ensure compliance with recognized building codes. It emphasizes the necessity for inspections during different stages of construction and outlines the criteria for utility companies to connect services to new residential units only after passing inspections, thus enforcing compliance with set standards.

Contention

Notably, one of the contentious points of the bill is the prohibition on state funds being allocated to counties for the remediation of housing deficiencies unless certain conditions are met, which may hinder the capacity of some counties to address housing issues effectively. Proponents argue that ensuring adherence to building standards and codes is crucial for public safety, while opponents voice concerns over potential delays and additional costs imposed on housing developers, which could affect housing availability and affordability. Overall, SB1363 strives to align local construction practices with state safety and quality standards, but its enforcement may lead to differing perspectives on local autonomy in housing regulation.