By: Money H.B. No. 5454 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the authority of a county to regulate certain land uses. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 231, Local Government Code, is amended by adding Subchapter N to read as follows: SUBCHAPTER N. REGULATION OF CERTAIN INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS AND OFFENSIVE LAND USES Sec. 231.301. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: (1) "Alternative energy facility" means: (A) a wind power facility as defined by Section 301.0001, Utilities Code; (B) a solar power facility as defined by Section 302.0001, Utilities Code; or (C) a battery storage facility. (2) "Industrial project" includes the construction or operation of an electric generating facility, alternative energy facility, or manufacturing facility. (3) "Offensive land use" includes a concrete plant, concrete crushing facility, landfill, solid waste transfer station, or automotive wrecking and salvage yard. Sec. 231.302. PERMIT REQUIRED. Notwithstanding any other law, a person may not begin the construction or operation of an industrial project or offensive land use in the unincorporated area of a county unless the person obtains a permit from the commissioners court of the county. Sec. 231.303. COUNTY INDUSTRIAL PROJECT PERMITTING PROCESS. (a) A commissioners court of a county shall by order establish a procedure to review and approve an application for a permit to build or operate an industrial project. (b) If a commissioners court by order finds that a proposed project requires substantial infrastructure or resources, the commissioners court may by order determine that the project constitutes an industrial project for purposes of the permit requirement under this subchapter. (c) A permitting procedure established by a county under this subchapter must: (1) require the permit be issued by order of the commissioners court; and (2) provide for at least two public hearings, held no less than two weeks and no more than two months apart. (d) In issuing a permit, a commissioners court must consider: (1) the compatibility of the proposed project with existing land uses in the surrounding area; (2) the potential impact of the proposed project on: (A) public health and safety; (B) air, water, and soil quality; and (C) local infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and emergency services; (3) public comment and input from county residents and other stakeholders; and (4) other factors that the commissioners court determines are relevant to balancing the interest in development and the welfare of the community. (e) A permit issued under this section may include conditions and requirements that the commissioners court determines are necessary to mitigate potential negative effects of the project for which a permit is sought, including a requirement that the applicant implement measures for: (1) protecting public health and safety, including providing necessary training and equipment for emergency services; (2) local infrastructure improvement or maintenance; (3) ensuring air, water, and soil quality; and (4) noise reduction. (f) A commissioners court may revoke, suspend, or deny renewal of a permit issued under this subchapter if the commissioners court by order finds that: (1) the permit holder has violated the terms of the permit; or (2) the permitted project causes undue harm to the surrounding area or community. Sec. 231.304. ENFORCEMENT. The commissioners court of a county may adopt orders to enforce this subchapter or an order adopted under this subchapter. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.