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.