78R7767 ATP-D


By:  Chisum                                                       H.B. No. 2456



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the enforcement of certain zoning regulations against 
property owned by a religious organization.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 110.003, Civil Practice and Remedies 
Code, is amended by adding Subsection (d) to read as follows:
	(d)  A municipality that permits the exercise of religion or 
organized religious worship in both residential and commercial 
zoning districts may enforce, with regard to property located in 
the municipality that is owned by a religious organization, 
including educational and parking facilities, only the least 
restrictive site development regulations applying to the least 
restrictive zoning district that allows organized religious 
worship.
	SECTION 2.  Section 211.003, Local Government Code, is 
amended by adding Subsection (d) to read as follows:
	(d)  The governing body of a municipality that permits the 
exercise of religion or organized religious worship in both 
residential and commercial zoning districts may enforce, on 
property located in the municipality that is owned by a religious 
organization, including educational and parking facilities, only 
the least restrictive site development regulations applying to the 
least restrictive zoning district that allows organized religious 
worship.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.