Bill: SB 14, 85(1) - 2017
Committee
Senate Business & Commerce
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| Yes |
Neutral |
Positive |
Neutral |
Positive |
Positive |
Author(s)
Bob Hall
Bill Caption
Relating to a property owner's right to remove a tree or vegetation.
Fiscal Notes
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
SB 14 would, with limited exceptions, prohibit local governments and other political subdivisions from regulating and prohibiting the removal of trees and vegetation from private property by the property owner.
Vote Recommendation Notes
This bill addresses a simple property rights issue. Some local governments have stepped into overregulation territory by regulating the removal of trees and vegetation on private property. The right to enjoy one's own property is sacrosanct in Texas and nearly absolute. For any unit of government to prohibit, or require an application, permit, or fee to remove trees or vegetation from private property is a clear violation of property rights, individual liberty, and limited government. SB 14 would support liberty by prohibiting these overzealous regulatory efforts. We support SB 14.
