85R2734 JTS-D     By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 2159       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to standards for advertising land for sale in certain   border counties before a subdivision plat for the land has been   approved; affecting the prosecution of a criminal offense.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Sections 232.033(a) and (h), Local Government   Code, are amended to read as follows:          (a)  Brochures, publications, and advertising of any form   relating to [subdivided] land required to be platted under this   subchapter:                (1)  may not contain any misrepresentation; [and]                (2)  except for a for-sale sign posted on the property   that is no larger than three feet by three feet, must accurately   describe the availability of water and sewer service facilities and   electric and gas utilities; and                (3)  if a plat for the land has not been finally   approved and recorded, must include a notice that:                      (A)  a contract for the sale of any portion of the   land may not be entered into until the land receives final plat   approval under Section 232.024; and                      (B)  the land may not be possessed or occupied   until:                            (i)  the land receives final plat approval   under Section 232.024; and                            (ii)  all water and sewer service facilities   for the lot are connected or installed in compliance with the model   rules adopted under Section 16.343, Water Code.          (h)  A person who is a seller of lots for which a plat is   required under this subchapter [in a subdivision], or a subdivider   or an agent of a seller or subdivider, commits an offense if the   person knowingly authorizes or assists in the publication,   advertising, distribution, or circulation of any statement or   representation that the person knows is false concerning any   [subdivided] land offered for sale or lease. An offense under this   section is a Class A misdemeanor.          SECTION 2.  Section 232.021(9), Local Government Code, is   repealed.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.