Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2380

Caption

Relating to the creation of certain pilot programs to encourage economic and educational opportunities in certain regions of this state.

Impact

The implementation of SB2380 is expected to significantly influence state laws regarding occupational licensing and business formation. The bill provides a framework that permits waiving fees related to business formation, professional licensing, and environmental permits within these special economic zones. Such measures aim to simplify regulatory processes, thereby encouraging new business establishments and potentially leading to job creation and improved local economies in the targeted areas.

Summary

SB2380 establishes the Special Economic Zone pilot program aimed at creating designated areas within eligible counties to reduce barriers for new businesses and enhance economic opportunities. By amending the Business & Commerce Code, the bill sets out provisions to facilitate entrepreneurship and allow existing businesses to maintain or expand in these zones. The initiative is part of Texas's broader strategy to foster economic development in regions with lower performance metrics and various socioeconomic challenges.

Contention

While the intent behind SB2380 is generally viewed positively among business communities, there are concerns about its long-term implications for state equality and local governance. Critics highlight the possibility that the bill could lead to uneven economic growth benefits and might inadvertently favor certain businesses or regions over others, thereby exacerbating existing inequalities. Additionally, the freedom given to waive certain regulations could raise concerns about environmental protections and public safety, fostering a debate on the balance between economic development and regulatory oversight.

Companion Bills

TX HB3565

Same As Relating to the creation of certain pilot programs to encourage economic and educational opportunities in certain regions of this state.

Previously Filed As

TX HB200

Relating to border protection and economic development services, programs, and other measures, including establishing educational programs and the border protection unit, in this state to address certain issues affecting the border region, including transnational and other criminal activity and public health threats.

TX HB80

Relating to border protection and economic development services, programs, and other measures, including establishing educational programs and the border protection unit, in this state to address certain issues affecting the border region, including transnational and other criminal activity and public health threats.

TX HB87

Relating to border protection and economic development services, programs, and other measures, including establishing educational programs and the border protection unit, in this state to address certain issues affecting the border region, including transnational and other criminal activity and public health threats.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX SB81

Relating to certain laws that regulate aspects of illegal immigration in this state, including laws pertaining to the DNA records of certain persons subject to an immigration detainer request, the recognition of certain out-of-state driver's licenses, inviting certain federal agencies to participate on the homeland security council, the reporting of certain uncompensated hospital care costs, and certain requirements for participation in the E-verify program; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX SB1871

Relating to the creation of the Texas Empowerment Account pilot program for assisting certain recipients of public benefits in achieving self-sufficiency.

TX SB1926

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Mircale Act (TMA), allowing for certain fees, authorizing certain ad valorem tax incentives for economic development, specifically certain tax relief from school district taxes for certain corporations and limited liability companies that make large investments that create jobs in this state, to authorizing the imposition of certain fees, and the repeal of Chapter 313 of Texas Tax Code and the Economic Development Act of the 77th Legislature.

TX HB4123

Relating to access to and use of certain criminal history record information.

TX HB1977

Relating to the creation of a pretrial intervention program for certain youth offenders; authorizing a fee.

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