August 30, 2019, Number 33


Download the full .pdf version here: TML Legislative Update 33


Bills Become Effective September 1

On September 1, hundreds of new laws will take effect.  Those include more than 300 city-related pieces of legislation.  Many of those won’t affect most cities, but several require action.  The League has prepared articles (and papers or Q&As) on those.  Here is a quick list of bills that are effective now or will be on September 1 and links to those articles:

  • H.B. 305:  Various website posting requirements.
  • H.B. 347:  No more unilateral annexation and annexation update.
  • H.B. 852:  Residential building permit fee may not be based on home value.
  • H.B. 1177:  Carrying of firearms during disaster and firearms update.
  • H.B. 1495/S.B. 65:  Lobby conflicts reporting.
  • H.B. 1495:   Lobby expenditures budget reporting.
  • H.B. 2439:  Building materials limitations.
  • H.B. 2826:  Contingent legal fee contracts and procurement update.
  • H.B. 2840:  Mandatory public comments on posted agenda items.
  • H.B. 3167:  Subdivision plat approval “shot clock.”
  • S.B. 241:  Energy usage reduction goals. 
  • S.B. 476:  Dogs are allowed on restaurant patios.
  • S.B. 1152:  Provider can stop paying lower of telephone or video franchise fees on January 1.
  • S.B. 1303:  City maps need to be updated.

All of the city-related bills that passed are summarized by category in the June 7, 2019, “final wrap up edition” of the Legislative Update.  Also, the League has prepared a Q&A on S.B. 2, the session’s Property Tax Reform bill, but that bill isn’t effective until next year.


FCC Cable Franchise Order

Last week, the League reported on a Federal Communications Commission order that could mean a loss of franchise fee revenue for some cities.  The order has now been published in the Federal Register, meaning it will become effective on September 26, 2019.


Disclaimer

TML member cities may use the material herein for any purpose. No other person or entity may reproduce, duplicate, or distribute any part of this document without the written authorization of the Texas Municipal League.