GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
GHBA Advocacy Report
Harris County Approves Regulations Governing Metal Recyclers
By TOY WOOD, JD, CGA, GHBA Executive Vice President & CEO
Congratulations and a big thank you to Judge Ed Emmett and the Harris County Commissioners Court, as well as the Sheriff’s Department and Houston Police Department. Regulations stem- ming from state legislation advocated by GHBA and TAB that governs Metal Recycling Entities, has been passed by Harris County. The City of Houston and several other nearby jurisdictions have regula- tions in place and use an online database system to help track abuses and theft. The Houston Police Department sat down with Harris County Sheriffs and GHBA members to discuss the serious nature of the issue and offered their services so that coordinated efforts may be made.
You Have a Voice
with GAC! If you have questions about this article or would like to get involved on the Government Affairs Committee, call (281) 970-8970, x150 or email Toy at
twood@ghba.org.
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The regulations require licensing, very detailed record-keeping that includes a thumbprint and vehicle description, photos and other verifying documents. There are provisions addressing build- ing construction materials, property in original packaging, property inscribed with company name, and air conditioning unit parts.
We are hopeful that these measures will help dry up the market. GHBA will be taking this same template to other jurisdictions in the area so that metal thieves cannot simply step over a county line to sell stolen goods. Thanks so much to all those members who helped by providing information and support. And a special thanks to Donna Buenik for coordinating the efforts.
City of Houston Chapter 42 Development Ordinance
Most of you who build in the City of Houston are aware of the long and ongoing push to extend the “urban boundary” as defined in the ordinance from Loop 610 to Beltway 8. GHBA members have met with everyone at the city involved in this process (all the way to the top) and are ready to walk it through City Council again. However, the Planning Department is still tweaking the package of amendments. We have been assured that this will get on agenda soon, but we have been given those assurances several times in the past, only to be disappointed. The amendments have actually been on the agenda several times and then pulled. Very frustrating. We are hopeful this time but not so naïve to think we are home free. Stay tuned. We will need your help.
Texas State Legislature
We will have some more new faces from our area at the state legislature. It is interesting to note that in 2010, the House went from 75R-73D to 101R-49D, so 25 new members were added and more will be added this time. It means that there are many somewhat inexperienced legislators. And there are big issues facing the state—budget, education, transportation, water, to name a few. We will most likely be playing defense during session.
Remember that Rally Day is scheduled for February 20, 2013 in Austin, Texas. Put that on your calen- dars now. The support and involvement of our
SEPTEMBER 2012 | HOUSTON BUILDER | GREATER HOUSTON BUILDERS ASSOCIATION – BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE
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