H.B. No. 3680 amends the Local Government Code to establish new subdivision plat requirements for certain counties, particularly those near the international border and the Gulf of Mexico. The bill introduces a new Subchapter G, which mandates that a plat must be prepared if at least one lot is less than five acres, and it must be certified by a registered surveyor or engineer while complying with state standards for water and sewer services. The bill also allows for the imposition of fees and civil penalties related to these requirements. Additionally, it modifies existing sections to clarify the applicability of subdivision regulations and allows for utility connections under specific conditions without prior certification.

The bill further outlines the responsibilities of county authorities, including the requirement for the commissioners court to adopt model rules and enforce compliance with various standards related to water, waste disposal, and infrastructure. It establishes a framework for the sale or lease of subdivided land, requiring plat approval and recording of sales contracts. The bill also introduces penalties for violations, including a Class A misdemeanor for false advertising related to subdivided land. Moreover, it allows for enforcement actions by the attorney general or local attorneys against violators and provides mechanisms for residents in economically distressed areas to seek redress for inadequate services. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 232.0015, Local Government Code 232.022, Local Government Code 232.071, Water Code 16.343, Water Code 16.350 (Local Government Code 232, Water Code 16)
House Committee Report: Local Government Code 212.012, Local Government Code 232.0015, Local Government Code 232.022, Local Government Code 232.071, Local Government Code 232.091, Local Government Code 233.153, Property Code 12.002, Tax Code 34.01, Water Code 16.343, Water Code 16.350 (Local Government Code 232, Water Code 16, Tax Code 34, Local Government Code 233, Local Government Code 212, Property Code 12)
Engrossed: Local Government Code 212.012, Local Government Code 232.0015, Local Government Code 232.022, Local Government Code 232.071, Local Government Code 232.091, Local Government Code 233.153, Property Code 12.002, Tax Code 34.01, Water Code 16.343, Water Code 16.350 (Local Government Code 232, Water Code 16, Tax Code 34, Local Government Code 233, Local Government Code 212, Property Code 12)
Senate Committee Report: Local Government Code 212.012, Local Government Code 232.0015, Local Government Code 232.022, Local Government Code 232.071, Local Government Code 232.091, Local Government Code 233.153, Property Code 12.002, Tax Code 34.01, Water Code 16.343, Water Code 16.350 (Local Government Code 232, Water Code 16, Tax Code 34, Local Government Code 233, Local Government Code 212, Property Code 12)
Enrolled: Local Government Code 212.012, Local Government Code 232.0015, Local Government Code 232.022, Local Government Code 232.071, Local Government Code 232.091, Local Government Code 233.153, Property Code 12.002, Tax Code 34.01, Water Code 16.343, Water Code 16.350 (Local Government Code 232, Water Code 16, Tax Code 34, Local Government Code 233, Local Government Code 212, Property Code 12)