H.B. No. 2559 amends the Local Government Code to establish new procedures for municipalities imposing moratoriums on property development. Key changes include a requirement for municipalities to hold two public hearings on any proposed moratorium, with the second hearing occurring no sooner than 30 days after the first. Additionally, the governing body must make a final determination on the moratorium within 12 days after the second hearing, ensuring that the ordinance receives at least two readings spaced at least 28 days apart and requires a three-fourths majority vote to take effect. The bill also specifies that a moratorium will expire 90 days after adoption unless extended through a public hearing and written findings.

The bill repeals certain existing provisions related to moratoriums and clarifies that municipalities cannot adopt a new moratorium on the same type of property or geographical area until two years after the previous moratorium has expired. The amendments aim to enhance transparency and public participation in the moratorium process while ensuring that municipalities have a structured approach to addressing property development issues. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 212.134, Local Government Code 212.1362 (Local Government Code 212)
House Committee Report: Local Government Code 212.134, Local Government Code 212.1362 (Local Government Code 212)
Engrossed: Local Government Code 212.134, Local Government Code 212.1362 (Local Government Code 212)
Senate Committee Report: Local Government Code 212.134, Local Government Code 212.1362 (Local Government Code 212)
Enrolled: Local Government Code 212.134, Local Government Code 212.1362 (Local Government Code 212)