Photo Credit: The Woodlands TownshipNews
The Woodlands Township officials support new law HB 2012 for public safety and community standards
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill (HB) 2012 into law on June 21, 2025, and Township officials were eager to show their support. The new law will enhance public safety and community standards.
“One of the challenges of Montgomery County’s rapid growth is the proliferation of roadside and parking lot vendors as well as those soliciting money along our roadways, parking lots and rights-of-way. This increase in unregulated activity poses safety risks for both the vendor and roadway user,” explained Township Director Cindy Heiser. “HB 2012, now law, provides Montgomery County with additional authority to regulate these activities for the safety and welfare of these individuals and our community.”
The new law establishes regulations governing roadside or parking lot vendors and solicitors in certain large counties near large metropolitan areas. It creates a framework that ensures public safety, enhances community standards, and potentially addresses concerns related to unregulated vending and solicitation practices.
Previously, the Texas Transportation Code only permitted the commissioners court of a county with a population of more than 1.3 million to regulate by order in unincorporated areas the following activities, if they occur on a public highway or road, in the right-of-way of a public highway or road, or in a parking lot:
- the sale of items by a vendor of food or merchandise, including live animals;
- the erection, maintenance, or placement of a structure by a vendor of food or merchandise including live animals; and
- the solicitation of money.
ln August 2024, the Montgomery County Commissioners Court approved a Resolution and Order expressing a desire to extend similar regulatory authority to Montgomery County. Also in 2024, The Woodlands Township Board of Directors created a Homelessness Task Force to deliberate with community partners and law enforcement on ways they could better identify and provide resources to unhoused individuals. The efforts of that Task Force identified a growing trend of roadside solicitation of money in our area; however, law enforcement and others reported limited options available to deter such solicitation while helping individuals identify safer and better resources.
The new law extends the same authority, previously unavailable, to counties with a population of more than 600,000 that are adjacent to a county with a population of more than 4 million.
“HB 2012, now law, provides the county additional tools and authority to address these challenges,” said Township Secretary Linda Nelson. “It is important to the safety and welfare of all involved.”
Both Heiser and Nelson are members of the Township’s Homelessness Task Force. During The Woodlands Township’s recent Strategic Planning Session, the Township Board authorized a letter of support for the legislation authored by Representative Cecil Bell and Senator Brandon Creighton. The Board also worked with Matt Gray, Montgomery County Commissioner, Precinct 4, in creating local support. The new law goes into effect September 1, 2025.
Source: The Woodlands Township
