Texas House Bill HB219

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to requirements regarding a municipality's comprehensive plan for long-range development, including adoption of an environmental report.

Impact

The legislation introduces critical requirements for municipalities, emphasizing the integration of environmental considerations into their comprehensive planning processes. Specifically, municipalities must now include an environmental evaluation report as part of their long-range development planning. This report will need to outline anticipated adverse and beneficial environmental impacts resulting from the proposed plans, as well as strategies for monitoring and mitigating these impacts. This shift is expected to enhance the safeguarding of local environmental resources in the face of urban development.

Summary

House Bill 219 seeks to amend the Local Government Code in Texas by establishing new requirements for comprehensive plans adopted by municipalities. Under this bill, municipalities are required to adopt or amend their comprehensive plans exclusively through an ordinance after conducting a public hearing. Additionally, it mandates that these plans be updated at least once every five years to ensure they remain relevant and effective in managing development over the long term.

Contention

While some stakeholders may see the bill as a progressive step toward responsible development and environmental stewardship, potential points of contention could arise regarding the burden of compliance on municipalities. Critics might argue that the new requirements could impose additional administrative costs and procedural hurdles for local governments, particularly smaller municipalities that may lack the resources needed to conduct detailed environmental assessments. The balance between development needs and environmental protection will likely be a topic of debate among lawmakers and stakeholders in the future.