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 outlines definitions and applicability for subdivisions, mandating that a plat is required when subdividing land into lots, especially if at least one lot is less than five acres. It allows commissioners courts to require a plat even if all lots exceed five acres but include lots between five and ten acres. The bill also specifies that the plat must contain various certifications related to water, sewer, drainage, and floodplain management, and introduces new provisions for the certification of compliance with these requirements.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws to clarify the responsibilities of county authorities and subdividers, including the requirement for counties to adopt model rules for subdivision regulations. It establishes penalties for non-compliance, including civil penalties ranging from $500 to $15,000 and potential criminal charges for serious violations. The bill also emphasizes consumer protection by requiring disclosures about water and wastewater services in both English and Spanish, and it mandates that all related documents be filed with the county clerk. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, following its passage in both the House and Senate.

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 (Water Code 16, Local Government Code 232)
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 (Property Code 12, Local Government Code 212, Local Government Code 232, Local Government Code 233, Water Code 16, Tax Code 34)
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 (Property Code 12, Local Government Code 212, Local Government Code 232, Local Government Code 233, Water Code 16, Tax Code 34)
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 (Property Code 12, Local Government Code 212, Local Government Code 232, Local Government Code 233, Water Code 16, Tax Code 34)
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 (Property Code 12, Local Government Code 212, Local Government Code 232, Local Government Code 233, Water Code 16, Tax Code 34)