BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2502

By: Bohac

Urban Affairs

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that there are ambiguities with regard to the authority of a municipality to require certain property owners to keep the property free from weeds, rubbish, brush, and other objectionable, unsightly, or unsanitary matter.  The parties contend that clarifications may help with enforcement efforts and reduce the likelihood of court challenges regarding such authority.  H.B. 2502 seeks to address these ambiguities and clarify applicable provisions of law.

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. 2502 amends the Health and Safety Code to revise statutory provisions relating to municipal power concerning weeds or other unsanitary matter to authorize the governing body of a municipality to require the owner of real property, rather than a lot, in the municipality to keep the real property free from weeds, brush, and certain conditions constituting a public nuisance.

EFFECTIVE DATE

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