S.B. No. 2169

AN ACT

relating to the establishment of a smart growth policy work group and the development of a smart growth policy for this state.

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

SECTION 1. Subtitle B, Title 10, Government Code, is amended by adding Chapter 2060 to read as follows:

CHAPTER 2060. SMART GROWTH POLICY

Sec. 2060.001. DEFINITION. In this chapter, "work group" means the work group on smart growth policy established under this chapter.

Sec. 2060.002. WORK GROUP ON SMART GROWTH POLICY. (a) The work group is composed of a representative from the following agencies appointed by the executive head of the agency:

(1) the comptroller's office;

(2) the Texas Department of Transportation;

(3) the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs;

(4) the Department of State Health Services;

(5) the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality;

(6) the Texas Workforce Commission;

(7) the General Land Office;

(8) the Office of Rural Community Affairs;

(9) the Railroad Commission of Texas;

(10) the Department of Agriculture;

(11) the Texas Education Agency;

(12) the Texas Water Development Board; and

(13) other state or regional agencies considered necessary by the co-presiding officers of the work group.

(b) The representatives from the Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the Department of State Health Services shall serve as co-presiding officers of the work group.

(c) The work group shall hold regular meetings.

Sec. 2060.003. DUTIES OF WORK GROUP. (a) The work group shall collaborate and develop a comprehensive smart growth plan for the state to prepare for the projected population growth in the state.

(b) In developing the plan, the work group shall make recommendations to the legislature for addressing:

(1) the quality of community life;

(2) the design of municipalities, counties, and regions;

(3) economic issues;

(4) environmental issues;

(5) health issues;

(6) housing issues;

(7) transportation issues;

(8) mixed land use;

(9) gentrification;

(10) development decisions that are predictable, fair, and cost-effective; and

(11) the encouragement of community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions.

(c) The work group shall coordinate with councils of government, regional mobility organizations, metropolitan planning associations, and smart growth experts in the public and private sectors, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency and planning departments in other states.

(d) The work group shall solicit and obtain input from relevant stakeholders.

Sec. 2060.004. REPORT TO LEGISLATURE. Not later than January 1 of each odd-numbered year, the work group shall submit a report to the legislature on the smart growth plan and policies developed by the work group under this chapter.

Sec. 2060.005. EXPIRATION. This chapter expires August 31, 2013.

SECTION 2. Not later than November 1, 2009, the executive head of each agency included on the work group under Chapter 2060, Government Code, as added by this Act, shall appoint a representative to the work group on smart growth policy.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.

______________________________ ______________________________

President of the Senate Speaker of the House

I hereby certify that S.B. No. 2169 passed the Senate on April 16, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0; and that the Senate concurred in House amendment on May 29, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.

______________________________ Secretary of the Senate

I hereby certify that S.B. No. 2169 passed the House, with amendment, on May 26, 2009, by the following vote: Yeas 99, Nays 48, one present not voting.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House

Approved:

______________________________

Date

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Governor