Local Government Code § 215.007

Sec. 215.007. SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF HOTEL CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY. (a) In this section: (1) "Hotel" has the meaning assigned by Section 156.001, Tax Code. (2) "Human trafficking activity" means conduct that constitutes an offense under Section 20A.02 or 20A.03, Penal Code. (b) The governing body of a municipality may suspend or revoke a certificate of occupancy for a hotel located in the municipality if: (1) a law enforcement officer provides an affidavit of probable cause swearing that criminal human trafficking activity is occurring in the hotel; (2) a court with criminal jurisdiction in the county in which the hotel is located issues an order stating the court's finding of probable cause that human trafficking activity is occurring at the hotel; and (3) the municipality follows the procedures described by Subsection (d) before suspending or revoking the certificate of occupancy. (c) This section does not limit a hotel owner's or operator's right to a public hearing and to present evidence at a proceeding regarding the suspension or revocation of a certificate of occupancy. (d) A municipality that seeks to suspend or revoke a certificate of occupancy for a hotel under this section shall follow procedures that are consistent with the suspension or revocation of a certificate of occupancy for any other type of business or use of land within the municipality. (e) This section may not be construed to create a private cause of action. Added by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1120 (H.B. 5509), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2025. SUBCHAPTER B. REGULATION BY TYPE A GENERAL-LAW MUNICIPALITY