Friday, March 29, 2024

Granbury officials request immediate action from public to oppose bill

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Granbury city officials are requesting action from the public — today — to help stop a bill in the Legislature that, according to the city, “could effectively end home rule authority” for Granbury and other cities in Texas.

That bill is Texas House Bill 2127, which is now being considered by the Texas Senate. Voting could happen today — Tuesday, May 9.

The bill seeks to prevent cities and counties from adopting or enforcing local ordinances or orders related to any activity contained in several state codes unless expressly allowed by state law.

What does that mean? It means, for example, that the city’s fire code would be reverted back to the 2005 version, resulting, according to the city, in homeowners having to pay more for insurance.

Do you want the city to have the ability to regulate noise, short-term rentals, smoking in public areas, gambling halls, peddlers/solicitors, alarm systems, 18-wheeler parking, garage sales, and puppy mills? HB 2127 puts that authority at risk, city officials said.

The city is asking the public to contact State Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, to express opposition to HB 2127. Call 512-463-0122 or email him at brianbirdwell@senate.texas.gov.