BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2256

By: Howard

House Administration

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

More than 10 years ago, the Texas legislature passed legislation to preserve the prominence of the State Capitol through different Capitol view corridors in response to community concerns about obstructions to the views of the building.  Interested parties contend that additional areas need to be included in the corridor to protect the significance of key public views.  H.B. 2256 seeks to protect the historic character and symbolic significance of Congress Avenue and to preserve the view of the Capitol building and dome.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 2256 amends the Government Code to prohibit a person from beginning, in the Congress Avenue view corridor as defined by the bill, construction of a structure on the west side of Congress Avenue that is within 60 feet of Congress Avenue and has a height that exceeds 90 feet and construction of a structure on the east side of Congress Avenue that is within 40 feet of Congress Avenue and has a height that exceeds 90 feet.  The bill, in a provision specifying that the stricter requirement prevails if a requirement of the statutory provisions relating to the preservation of the view of the State Capitol conflicts with a requirement enacted by a municipality, clarifies that the stricter requirement also prevails over a conflict with any other requirement under state law.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2013.