BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center C.S.S.B. 1398
By: West
Committee Report (Substituted)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Some municipalities in Texas are requiring prospective renters of dwelling units to obtain an additional license or permit issued by the municipality prior to renting or leasing housing units. This practice places an additional financial burden on prospective renters, especially those with low incomes, and places an additional regulatory burden on landlords.
C.S.S.B. 1398 prohibits municipalities from requiring individuals to obtain a specific license or permit issued by the municipality in order to occupy or rent an individual dwelling unit in a single-family, duplex, or multifamily structure.
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 Subchapter Z, Chapter 214, Local Government Code, by adding Section 214.907, as follows:
Sec. 214.907. LIMITATION ON MUNICIPAL REQUIREMENTS OF LICENSE OR PERMIT TO OCCUPY DWELLING UNIT. Prohibits a municipality from requiring a tenant to acquire a license or permit issued by the municipality as a condition for occupying or leasing an individual dwelling unit in a single-family, duplex, or multifamily structure.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.