Amend HB 1278 as follows: (1) On page 1, between lines 5 and 6, insert the following SECTIONS and renumber existing SECTIONS 1 and 2 of the bill as SECTIONS 4 and 5: SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 212, Local Government Code, is amended by adding Section 212.0047 to read as follows: Sec. 212.0047. EXCEPTION TO PLAT REQUIREMENT: TAX-EXEMPT RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION PROPERTY. (a) An owner of an unplatted tract of land that is exempt from ad valorem taxation under Section 11.20, Tax Code, is not required to prepare a plat to obtain a building permit or any other permit for developing the tract. (b) If the property loses its exemption from taxation under Section 11.20, Tax Code, the owner of the property must comply with all applicable platting requirements. SECTION 2. Subchapter B, Chapter 212, Local Government Code, is amended by adding Section 212.0415 to read as follows: Sec. 212.0415. APPLICATION OF SUBCHAPTER TO TAX-EXEMPT RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION PROPERTY. This subchapter does not apply to an unplatted tract of land that is exempt from ad valorem taxation under Section 11.20, Tax Code. If the property loses its exemption from taxation under Section 11.20, Tax Code, this subchapter begins to apply to the property on the day after the date on which the exemption is lost. SECTION 3. Section 12.002, Property Code, is amended by adding Subsection (h) to read as follows: (h) Notwithstanding this section, a person may file for record or have recorded in the county clerk's office a plat if the plat is exempted from approval under Section 212.0047, Local Government Code. An unapproved plat must be stamped "unapproved plat" by the county clerk or a deputy of the clerk before it may be filed, and the clerk or deputy shall note on the plat that the property was exempt under Section 212.0047, Local Government Code. (2) On page 4, line 21, strike "SECTION 3. This Act takes effect" and substitute: "SECTION 6. (a) Sections 1 through 3 of this Act take effect September 1, 2003. (b) Sections 4 and 5 of this Act take effect". (3) On page 4, line 22, strike "applies" and substitute "apply". (4) On page 5, line 1, strike "this Act has" and substitute "Sections 4 and 5 of this Act have".