Bill

SB 855

86(R) - 2019
Senate Intergovernmental Relations
Senate Intergovernmental Relations
Fees

Companion Bill

HB 852

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Positive
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Pat Fallon

Co-Author(s)

Brandon Creighton
Bob Hall

Bill Caption

Relating to information a municipality may consider in determining the amount of certain building permit and inspection fees.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 855 would prohibit municipalities from considering the value of a dwelling or the cost of constructing or improving a dwelling in determining the amount of a building permit or inspection fee. The bill would additionally prohibit the municipality from requiring the disclosure of said information in the process for obtaining a building permit. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action supports SB 855 for promoting the principles of limited government and free markets. This bill would help to plug a loophole by which municipalities could extort unnecessary fees from permits and inspections for the purpose of raising revenue. Municipalities should take care to ensure that fees are applied in a broad-based and equal manner and are not depended upon as a source of revenue.