BILL ANALYSIS


                                                         H.B. 375
                                          By: Cuellar, R. (Lucio)
                                      Intergovernmental Relations
                                                          5-22-95
                              Senate Committee Report (Unamended)
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 the lots have prompted the
cities 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

As proposed, H.B. 375 authorizes a bill for an assessment by
certain municipalities for expenses incurred in relation to certain
neglected property to be included on or with a bill for property
taxes on the assessed property.

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, Health and Safety Code, by
adding Subsection (h), as follows:

     (h)  Authorizes a bill for an amount assessed under this
     section to be included on or with a bill for property taxes on
     the assessed property.  Provides that the inclusion of or
     failure to include a bill for the amount assessed with a bill
     for property taxes does not alter or affect the priority or
     date of attachment of the lien, if any, for the amount
     assessed.
     
     SECTION 2.     Amends Chapter 214A, Local Government Code, by adding
Section 214.004, as follows:

     Sec. 214.004.  BILL FOR ASSESSMENT.  Authorizes a bill for an
     amount assessed under this subchapter to be included on or
     with a bill for property taxes on the assessed property. 
     Provides that the inclusion of or failure to include a bill
     for the amount assessed with a bill for property taxes does
     not alter or affect the priority or date of attachment of the
     lien, if any, for the amount assessed.
     
SECTION 3. Emergency clause.
           Effective date: upon passage.