Honorable Kelly Hancock, Chair, Senate Committee on Business & Commerce
FROM:
John McGeady, Assistant Director Sarah Keyton, Assistant Director Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB2370 by Hughes (Relating to the procedure for approval of certain land development applications by a political subdivision.), As Introduced
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Local Government Code to amend the process and procedures by which municipalities, counties, and other authorities approve or disapprove plats.
Local Government Impact
According to Harris County, the bill would require the county to hire an estimated 10 FTEs to ensure compliance with the additional time constraints and other requirements of the bill. The county estimates the cost for these 10 FTEs at between $850,000 and $900,000. Over time, these costs would be absorbed by applicants for the service or by taxpayers by way of higher fees or higher taxes.
According to the Texas Association of Counties (TAC), the bill would place substantial time restrictions on consideration of subdivision plats and permit vesting. TAC cannot determine these costs, but to comply with the requirements of the bill for complicated or complex projects, cities might be faced with the need for additional staffing or technology expenses.