Texas Senate Bill SB1087

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to file a lien for the costs of abatement of a floodplain ordinance violation; providing a civil penalty.

Impact

The introduction of SB1087 could significantly impact local governance and property management in larger municipalities. By authorizing municipalities to abate violations of floodplain management ordinances, the bill aims to improve public safety and environmental protection efforts. Municipalities can act to remove any structures or materials that are illegally placed in these critical areas, thereby promoting safer development practices in flood-prone regions.

Summary

SB1087 is a legislative bill aimed at enhancing the authority of certain municipalities in Texas regarding the enforcement of floodplain management ordinances. Specifically, the bill allows municipalities that contain more than 75 percent of the population of a county with a population of 1.5 million or more to file civil actions for enforcing floodplain ordinances. This included regulations for the placement of structures and the management of materials in designated floodplain areas, to ensure compliance with public safety standards.

Contention

While the bill is designed to empower municipalities to enforce safety and environmental regulations more effectively, it may also raise concerns regarding property rights. The potential for municipalities to impose civil penalties and file liens on properties for non-compliance could be contentious. Property owners may view this as overreach, especially in areas sensitive to local dynamics where residents may prefer more autonomy in managing land use and development related to floodplain areas.