By: Raymond, et al. (Senate Sponsor - Zaffirini) H.B. No. 2275

(In the Senate - Received from the House April 1, 2009; April 27, 2009, read first time and referred to Committee on International Relations and Trade; May 8, 2009, reported adversely, with favorable Committee Substitute by the following vote: Yeas 4, Nays 0; May 8, 2009, sent to printer.)

COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR H.B. No. 2275 By: Davis

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to creating a task force to develop uniform standards for subdivisions in the unincorporated areas of counties near the international border and in economically distressed counties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the current law regarding the regulation of subdivisions in the unincorporated areas of counties near the international border and in economically distressed counties should be reviewed to ensure that statutory provisions are consistent and clearly achieve the goals of promoting uniform subdivision standards in those counties and enhancing the quality of living for the residents of those subdivisions.

SECTION 2. (a) The Task Force on Uniform County Subdivision Regulation is composed of 23 members appointed as follows:

(1) six members who are county officials or employees responsible for regulating subdivisions under Subchapter B, Chapter 232, Local Government Code, appointed by the executive administrator of the Texas Water Development Board from each of the following counties:

(A) El Paso;

(B) Webb;

(C) Starr;

(D) Hidalgo;

(E) Cameron; and

(F) Nueces;

(2) six members who are members of organizations that represent the interests of colonia residents, appointed by the executive director of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs;

(3) three members who are county officials or employees responsible for regulating subdivisions under Subchapter C, Chapter 232, Local Government Code, appointed by the executive administrator of the Texas Water Development Board;

(4) one member who is a representative of the Texas Water Development Board and is appointed by the executive administrator of the board;

(5) one member who has legal expertise in subdivision regulation appointed by the attorney general to represent the interests of the state;

(6) one member who has expertise in matters affecting colonias appointed by the secretary of state to represent the interests of the state;

(7) three members who are appointed by the president of the Texas Association of Builders to represent the interests of builders and land developers;

(8) one member who is a representative of the Texas Conference of Urban Counties appointed by the executive director of that organization; and

(9) one member who is a representative of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas appointed by the president of that association.

(b) The members of the Task Force on Uniform County Subdivision Regulation appointed under Subsection (a) of this section shall elect a presiding officer, a secretary, and any other officers the board considers necessary.

(c) Appointments to the Task Force on Uniform County Subdivision Regulation shall be made without regard to race, color, disability, sex, religion, age, or national origin of the appointees.

(d) A member of the task force who is a state or county employee is not entitled to additional compensation for serving on the task force, but is entitled to reimbursement for the member's actual and necessary expenses in attending meetings of the task force and performing other official duties authorized by the presiding officer if the reimbursement is otherwise available to the member as a state or county employee.

(e) The attorney general shall provide administrative support to the task force, including necessary staff and meeting facilities.

(f) The task force, through the attorney general, may accept gifts and grants from individuals, private or public organizations, or federal or local funds to support the task force.

(g) Chapter 2110, Government Code, does not apply to the task force.

SECTION 3. The Task Force on Uniform County Subdivision Regulation shall:

(1) research and identify the conflicts and deficiencies in current law regarding the regulation of the development of subdivisions in the unincorporated areas of counties near the international border and in economically distressed counties; and

(2) develop recommendations and draft a proposal for legislation to create uniform standards for the regulation of the development of subdivisions in the unincorporated areas of counties near the international border and in economically distressed counties.

SECTION 4. Not later than December 1, 2010, the Task Force on Uniform County Subdivision Regulation shall submit its findings, recommendations, and proposal for legislation to the standing committees of the senate and house of representatives having primary jurisdiction over border regions or county affairs.

SECTION 5. The Task Force on Uniform County Subdivision Regulation is abolished and this Act expires on September 2, 2011.

SECTION 6. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2009.

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