Relating to the authority of a county or municipality to regulate the location of halfway houses; providing a penalty.
Impact
The passage of SB24 would significantly modify the regulatory landscape concerning halfway houses in Texas, as it entrusts local authorities with the discretion to implement regulations that promote public health, safety, and welfare. This could lead to a variation in regulations between different municipalities, reflective of the unique needs and concerns of communities. Local governments would be able to set density restrictions and establish licensing requirements for the operation of halfway houses, enabling greater oversight in how these facilities operate within their jurisdictions.
Summary
SB24, titled 'Relating to the authority of a county or municipality to regulate the location of halfway houses', aims to empower local governments in Texas with the authority to regulate the placement of halfway houses. A halfway house is defined in the bill as a facility run by a private entity to house individuals under community supervision or parole. The bill provides specific guidelines for how local governments can adopt regulations concerning the location and operations of these facilities, allowing them to restrict proximity to schools, religious institutions, and neighborhoods, among other land uses.
Sentiment
Discussions surrounding SB24 have elicited a mixed sentiment among stakeholders. Proponents argue that the bill enhances local control, which is crucial for ensuring that halfway houses are appropriately situated to serve their intended purpose without compromising community safety or quality of life. Conversely, critics fear that overly restrictive regulations may hinder access to essential services for individuals reintegrating into society after incarceration, potentially limiting the effective operation of these facilities.
Contention
Key points of contention include potential conflicts between the regulatory intentions of local governments and the needs of individuals utilizing halfway houses. Advocates for reform in criminal justice express apprehension that stringent local regulations could create barriers to entry for these facilities, thereby undermining rehabilitation efforts. The bill also raises questions concerning the balance between local governance and state oversight, as its implementation may yield significant variations in the treatment and availability of halfway houses throughout Texas.
Relating to defenses to prosecution of the criminal offenses of gambling, keeping a gambling place, and possession of a gambling device, equipment, or paraphernalia and county regulation of poker clubs; providing civil penalties; authorizing an occupational license; authorizing a fee; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to defenses to prosecution of the criminal offenses of gambling, keeping a gambling place, and possession of a gambling device, equipment, or paraphernalia and county regulation of poker clubs; providing civil penalties; authorizing an occupational license; authorizing a fee; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the regulation and voluntary licensing of reroofing contractors by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation; providing administrative and civil penalties; authorizing fees.
Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.
Relating to methods for the recovery of system restoration costs incurred by electric utilities following hurricanes, tropical storms, ice or snow storms, floods, and other weather-related events and natural disasters.
Relating to methods for the recovery of system restoration costs incurred by electric utilities following hurricanes, tropical storms, ice or snow storms, floods, and other weather-related events and natural disasters.
Relating to the response and resilience of certain electricity service providers to major weather-related events or other natural disasters; granting authority to issue bonds.