Subscribe to receive our Floor Reports covering all the action on the Texas House and Senate floor!
Relating to regulation by certain counties of lots in platted subdivisions that have remained undeveloped.
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
SB 1402 would allow El Paso County to establish a process to place infrastructure requirements on lots that have been undeveloped for at least 25 years or more. This bill would only apply to lots that have been acquired by a "common promotional scheme," and would exempt property that was the subject of a settlement agreement and release incorporating an agreed final judgment that was effective on or before May 1, 2017.
This is a local bill dealing with the issue of colonias which are located near the US-Mexico border. These developments sprang up many years ago and have grown over time without the normal infrastructure that is customary and expected in residential communities. This has led to attempts, using public funds wherever they can be found, to address health and safety issues that are unique to the colonias. This legislation attempts to prevent the expansion of colonias by allowing the land they would expand into to be subject to infrastructure requirements. Ordinarily we would oppose legislation that places restrictions on development of private property, however we see a legitimate public interest in checking the expansion of colonias because the public ends up paying for them in the long run anyway. Because of the unique, local, and ongoing nature of this issue which is being addressed, we will remain neutral.
Read Bill & Check Bill Status