Bill: SB 744, 85(R) - 2017
Committee
Senate Intergovernmental Relations
2nd Chamber Committee
House Urban Affairs
Companion Bill
HB 2052
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| Vote Yes; Amend |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Positive |
Neutral |
Author(s)
Lois Kolkhorst
Co-Author(s)
Donna Campbell
Robert Nichols
Sponsor(s)
Dade Phelan
Bill Caption
Relating to a tree planting credit to offset tree mitigation fees imposed by a municipality.
Fiscal Notes
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
Under current law, a municipality is authorized to impose a tree mitigation fee. SB 744 would require, in the case of a fee imposed as necessary for development or construction on a person’s property, the municipality must also allow that person to apply for a partial credit for tree planting to offset the mitigation fee.
Vote Recommendation Notes
This bill supports the principle of limited government by requiring municipalities to provide a means of at least partially offsetting government-imposed tree mitigation fees. For this reason, we support SB 744. We would also support an amendment to do away with tree mitigation fees altogether. Municipalities should not have the authority to charge a fee for a property owner to remove a tree (or any number of trees) on their own private property.
