H.B. No. 23 aims to enhance the authority of certain individuals to obtain third-party reviews of plats, property development plans, permits, and related inspections. The bill amends the Local Government Code, specifically Section 247.001, to clarify that a "plan" includes various types of subdivision development plans and applications. It introduces Section 247.0015, which states that compliance with health and safety requirements and stormwater permitting is mandatory, regardless of the chapter's provisions. Additionally, it modifies Section 247.002 to allow applicants to seek third-party reviews and inspections if a regulatory authority fails to act within a specified timeframe.

The bill further establishes requirements for third-party reviewers and inspectors, mandating that they maintain professional liability insurance and adhere to applicable laws as if they were the regulatory authority. It also introduces provisions to ensure that regulatory authorities cannot require applicants to waive their rights to third-party reviews or approvals. Moreover, the bill outlines the conditions under which a regulatory authority may disapprove land development and specifies that it does not apply retroactively to documents finalized before the bill's effective date. Overall, H.B. No. 23 seeks to streamline the development review process while ensuring compliance with essential regulations.