LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 79TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

May 16, 2005

TO:	Honorable Ray Allen, Chair, House Committee on County Affairs
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Deputy Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB645 by Barrientos (Relating to the authority of certain counties to regulate the use of outdoor lighting.), As Engrossed

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill would authorize certain counties to regulate the installation and use of outdoor lighting in any unincorporated territory of the county. The county commissioners court would be authorized to establish a fee for issuing a permit and would be required to conduct a public hearing on a proposed order relating to outdoor lighting. A county, in a suit brought by the county attorney or other prosecuting attorney representing the county, would be entitled to appropriate injunctive relief to prevent the violation or threatened violation of an order adopted relating to outdoor lighting from continuing or occurring. Provisions of the bill would not apply to outdoor lighting owned and maintained by a utility or used for operations purposes of certain utility companies.

The bill would take effect immediately if it were to receive the required two-thirds vote in each house; otherwise, it would take effect September 1, 2005.

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

LBB Staff:

JOB, DLBa