Texas House Bill HB316

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

• Filed: 11/17/14

Caption

Relating to allowing a county commissioners court to contract with an attorney to enforce subdivision platting requirements in certain counties that are economically distressed or that are located near the international border of this state.

Impact

By allowing counties to engage attorneys for this purpose, HB316 could significantly enhance the legal capacity of local governments to tackle violations of subdivision regulations. This empowerment comes with the potential to enable these counties to recover civil penalties, attorney fees, and other litigation costs. As a result, such provisions may lead to a more structured approach towards planning and regulation compliance, particularly beneficial for counties struggling with resources and enforcement capabilities.

Summary

House Bill 316 aims to empower county commissioners courts in Texas to contract with licensed attorneys specifically for the enforcement of subdivision platting requirements. This bill is particularly focused on counties that are economically distressed or located near the state's international border. The core intent is to provide these counties with the necessary legal tools to ensure compliance with relevant land use and development regulations, which can ultimately help in better managing urban growth and development within those areas that are often vulnerable or face unique challenges.

Contention

While the bill is aimed at facilitating enforcement in economically distressed areas, it may also raise concerns among local governments and stakeholders about the potential for increased legal costs and litigation. Opponents fear that this could lead to aggressive enforcement actions that may not align with the needs of local communities. Furthermore, the extent of the autonomy given to county commissioners to engage legal counsel may prompt debates about local governance and the execution of land-use policies that are sensitive to the communities involved.