SRC-TNM H.B. 1279 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 1279
By: Oliveira (Lucio)
Intergovernmental Relations
4-28-97
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas law allows cities to allow minor subdivision plats to be
approved by one city employee instead of by the planning commission and/or
governing body.  The city of Brownsville has not taken advantage of that
option.  H.B. 1979 would allow one or more persons of the municipality or
a municipal utility the ability to approve minor plats and plat amendments
in order to save time and offer efficient service to those doing business
with the city of Brownsville. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 1279 outlines provisions regarding the delegation of
responsibility by a municipality for the approval of certain plats. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 212.0065, Local Government Code, to authorize
the municipal authority responsible for approving plats, rather than a
municipality, to delegate to one or more persons, rather than an employee,
of the municipality or of a utility owned or operated by the municipality
the ability to approve certain responsibilities.  Authorizes the
designated person or persons, rather than employee, to elect to present
the plat for approval to the municipal authority responsible for approving
plats, rather than the municipal planning commission or governing body, or
both, to approve the plat.  Provides that the person or persons, rather
than employee, shall not disapprove the plat and shall be required to
refer any plat which the person or persons refuse, rather than he refuses,
to approve to the municipal authority responsible for approving plats,
rather than the municipal planning commission or governing body, or both,
within the time period specified in Section 212.009. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.