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.