Bill > HB4677

This bill amends the Local Government Code to establish a process for third-party review and inspection of development documents when regulatory authorities fail to complete their required reviews or inspections within 15 days. Specifically, if a regulatory authority does not approve or conduct an inspection of a development document or permit within the prescribed timeframe, a qualified third-party reviewer can step in to perform the review or inspection. Eligible third-party reviewers include engineers licensed in Texas, employees of the regulatory authority or another political subdivision (with approval), or individuals certified by the International Code Council. The third-party reviewer cannot be the applicant or the person whose work is being reviewed. The bill also explicitly states that a political subdivision is not liable for reviews or inspections performed by third parties. This legislation is intended to clarify existing law rather than fundamentally change it, and will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas Legislature, or on September 1, 2025, if it does not receive the immediate effect vote. The bill aims to ensure timely processing of development documents and provide a mechanism for alternative review when local authorities are backlogged.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4677