BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 375
By: Cuellar, Renato
May 2, 1995
Committee Report (Amended)


BACKGROUND

Certain municipalities encounter problems with neglected properties
that are overgrown with weeds and may even contain a dilapidated
building.  Complaints from some cities of the unsightliness of such
lots and the health risks that they pose to the local community,
and the costs involved in cleaning these lots prompted them to
demand compensation for costs incurred.  Many cities are forced to
spend municipal funds and manpower to clean up a neglectful
property owner's refuse.

PURPOSE

House Bill 375 is intended to make property owners respond to their
neglected properties.  This bill would allow a municipality to
place a lien against properties with weedy lots and/or dilapidated
buildings for the amount incurred in the removal of such a
nuisance.  This would be accomplished through annual assessment of
properties.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or
agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

Section 1.  amends Section 342.007 of the Health and Safety Code by
adding that a bill for a quantity assessed for the cleaning of a
neglected property may be included on or with a bill for property
taxes on the property that is assessed.

Section 2.  amends Subchapter A, Chapter 214 of the Local
Government Code by adding Section 214.004 which states that a bill
for property taxes on an assessed property may be included with or
on a bill for the cost of cleaning a neglected property.

Section 3.  Emergency clause.


EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS

Committee Amendment No. 1 by Hill adds provision that failure to
include bill with property taxes does not affect status of lien.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

HB 375 was considered by the committee in a public hearing on March
6, 1995.  The bill was left pending.  The bill was considered by
the committee in a public hearing on May 1, 1995.  The following
people testified in favor of the bill: Rep. Cuellar; and Ramon
Vela, representating the City of Weslaco.  The committee considered
one amendment.  It was adopted without objection.  The bill was
reported favorably as amended, with the recommendation that it do
pass and be printed and be sent to the Committee on Local and
Consent Calendars, by a record vote of 5 ayes, 0 nays, 2 pnv, and
2 absent.