Bill > HB2977

This bill amends the Local Government Code to provide more flexibility for property developers in obtaining third-party reviews and inspections of development documents. Specifically, the bill allows applicants to obtain independent reviews and inspections from qualified professionals if a regulatory authority does not complete the review or inspection within a specified timeframe. The third-party reviewers must be either employees of the regulatory authority, employees of another political subdivision approved for such work, or licensed engineers. These third-party reviewers are required to conduct their reviews and inspections as if they were the regulatory authority and must provide notice of their findings within 15 days of completion. The bill also prohibits regulatory authorities from requiring applicants to waive their right to third-party review or from requiring additional approval beyond the third-party review. This legislation aims to streamline the development review process by providing an alternative path when government agencies are unable to complete reviews in a timely manner. The bill will apply only to development documents and inspection requests that are not final at the time of the Act's effective date, which will be immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote in the Texas Legislature, or September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2977