Texas House Bill HB14

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 3/6/23
• Out of House Committee: 4/5/23
• Voted on by House: 4/13/23
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/19/23
• Voted on by Senate: 5/23/23
• Governor Action: 6/12/23

Caption

Relating to third-party review of plats and property development plans, permits, and similar documents, and the inspection of an improvement related to such a document.

Impact

The bill amends existing local government codes and establishes guidelines for third-party review, which carries significant implications for state laws governing property development. Proponents argue that it will decrease the time and effort required to obtain necessary permits and inspections, ultimately leading to more housing availability and potentially lower construction costs. However, it raises concerns regarding the consistency of inspections done by third parties versus local authorities, and whether this could compromise the adherence to local standards and regulations. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2023, marking a shift in how property development is managed in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 14 focuses on reforming the approval process for property development in Texas by instituting a framework for third-party reviews of development documents and inspections. The bill mandates that if a local regulatory authority fails to approve or disapprove a development document within a 15-day period, a third-party reviewer can be brought in to conduct the necessary evaluations. This new approach aims to expedite the often lengthy approval process which has been a hurdle for builders and developers, especially in the context of Texas's growing population and housing demand. By removing the bottlenecks at local planning and building departments, HB14 seeks to streamline and enhance the efficiency of the development process.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 14 is notably mixed. Supporters, including builders and various construction advocates, view it as a much-needed reform that is essential for tackling the housing crisis in Texas. They argue that it promotes economic growth and addresses the urgent demand for housing. In contrast, local government representatives and some community members have expressed opposition, fearing that the bill undermines local control over development processes and might lead to a decline in quality or oversight in property developments. This tension reflects broader concerns regarding state versus local authority in managing community standards and development priorities.

Contention

Main points of contention focused on the potential erosion of local governmental powers under HB14. Critics, representing cities like Dallas and Houston, voiced concerns that delegating review processes to third-party entities might result in inadequate assessments and reduced accountability. They stressed the importance of maintaining local oversight to address unique community needs effectively. Supporters counter-argued that the bill is not about eliminating local authority, but rather about enhancing efficiency in a time when timely housing solutions are critically needed. The discussions highlighted the broader theme of ensuring quality governance while addressing practical challenges posed by rapid growth in Texas.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Local Government Code

• Chapter 247. Regulation Of Energy Sources And Engines
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 7. Type B General-law Municipality
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 250. Miscellaneous Regulatory Authority
  • Section: New Section