Texas House Bill HB36

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to expedited proceedings in cases involving dangerously damaged or deteriorated or substandard buildings or improvements in certain municipalities.

Impact

If enacted, HB 36 would significantly affect state laws regarding the handling of cases related to deteriorating structures. By mandating expedited court proceedings for certain civil actions, the bill seeks to empower local governments to act swiftly in managing properties that pose safety risks. This modification to legal procedure may lead to more efficient governmental action, thereby enhancing community safety and possibly preventing further deterioration of properties within affected municipalities.

Summary

House Bill 36 aims to streamline legal processes concerning dangerously damaged, deteriorated, or substandard buildings and improvements, specifically targeting municipalities with populations of 500,000 or more in Texas. The bill amends the Civil Practice and Remedies Code as well as the Local Government Code, ensuring that courts expedite proceedings tied to ordinances and substandard building determinations. The intent is to facilitate quicker resolutions in legal matters that could affect public safety and property values by shortening the duration of court cases related to these issues.

Sentiment

The sentiment towards HB 36 appears to be largely supportive among proponents who argue that the bill promotes public safety and allows municipalities to respond more effectively to unsafe buildings. However, there are concerns expressed by some stakeholders regarding potential overreach and the implications of expedited legal processes that might sacrifice due process for speed. This split in sentiment reflects broader debates about balancing governmental efficiency with individual rights in legal matters.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 36 include worries about how expedited proceedings might impact the rights of property owners and the adequacy of legal representation in hastily conducted hearings. Critics argue that while expediting these processes can help address urgent safety issues, it may also lead to inadequate scrutiny of individual cases, raising concerns about fairness and the thoroughness of legal evaluations. A primary focus of the discussions has been how to ensure that swift actions by municipalities do not undermine the checks and balances necessary to protect citizens' rights.