SRC-PNG S.B. 833 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 833 By: Cain Intergovernmental Relations 4/18/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, counties with populations of more than 125,000 are allowed to regulate public nuisances including keeping, storing, and accumulating refuse and certain items, such as abandoned vehicles and tires. These counties may also regulate and enforce ordinances regarding the maintenance of buildings and abandoned or unoccupied property. Many counties in Texas are experiencing rapid population growth and housing development and need the ability to enforce public nuisance laws for the health and safety of the general public. This bill would expand the authority of counties to regulate public nuisances to include counties with a population of 50,000 or more. PURPOSE As proposed, S.B. 833 expands the authority of counties to regulate public nuisances to include counties with a population of 50,000 or more. 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 343.011(a), Health and Safety Code, to provide that this section applies to the unincorporated area of a county with a population of 50,000, rather than 125,000, or more. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.