SRC-VRA H.B. 212 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 212 78R1526 DRH-DBy: Keel, et al.(Wentworth) Intergovernmental Relations 4/7/2003 Engrossed DIGEST AND PURPOSE Currently, a municipality may regulate signs of a political nature placed on private property. As proposed, H.B. 212 restricts the ability of a municipality to regulate signs of a political nature placed on private property RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 216Z, Local Government Code, by adding Section 216.903, as follows: Sec. 216.903. REGULATION OF POLITICAL SIGNS BY MUNICIPALITY. (a) Provides that in this section, "private real property" does not include real property subject to an easement or other encumbrance that allows a municipality to use the property for a public purpose. (b) Provides that a municipal charter provision or ordinance that regulates signs may not, for a sign that contains primarily a political message and that is located on private real property impose certain requirements. (c) Provides that Subsection (b) does not apply to a sign, including a billboard, that contains primarily a political message on a temporary basis and that is generally available for rent or purchase to carry commercial advertising or other messages that are not primarily political. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2003.