Honorable Wayne Smith, Chair, House Committee on County Affairs
FROM:
John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB2648 by Rose (Relating to the authority of counties to regulate the use of outdoor lighting; providing a penalty.), As Introduced
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Local Government Code to authorize a county commissioners court to adopt orders regulating the installation and use of outdoor lighting in any unincorporated territory of the county, with certain exceptions. The county would be authorized to require a permit for installing certain types of lighting and to charge a fee for the issuance of the permit. If a person were to violate an order regarding outdoor lighting, a county or district attorney would be authorized to sue the person in district court to enjoin a violation. An offense would be a Class C misdemeanor. Both civil and criminal enforcement would be allowed.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.