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.