Texas House Bill HB3022

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the construction or development of certain continuing care facilities.

Impact

The proposed legislation has significant implications for developers and investors looking to establish continuing care facilities in major urban areas. By establishing that once a development has been permitted, it can proceed without the risk of new regulations halting progress or requiring modifications to existing plans, the bill seeks to create a more predictable and stable environment for development. This could lead to increased investment in such facilities, which are becoming increasingly vital to accommodate the aging population and provide them with various living arrangements and care services.

Summary

House Bill 3022 aims to facilitate the construction or development of certain continuing care facilities, specifically within the extraterritorial jurisdiction of large municipalities in Texas, those having a population exceeding 775,000. The bill proposes an amendment to the Health and Safety Code, introducing provisions that allow for development under existing municipal ordinances, including regulations on impervious lot coverage. This means that once a permit is obtained, development can proceed according to regulations in force at that time, regardless of any subsequent changes in local laws or permitting processes.

Contention

The core of the debate surrounding HB3022 may arise from concerns over local governance and the ability of municipalities to regulate developments that could impact their communities. Critics might argue that the bill diminishes local control by allowing developments to proceed unhindered by new regulations that could address community needs or changing circumstances. Furthermore, there could be worries about the implications of such developments on local infrastructure, traffic, and public services, which municipalities typically must manage.

Notable_points

The bill emphasizes the need for continuing care facilities amidst a growing demand for elderly care options, reflective of demographic trends. Its potential to streamline the developmental process could encourage growth in the sector, yet it also raises important questions about balancing state-level direction with local regulatory authority.