Franklin Co Commissioner Speaks Out in Support of HB302, SB172

A Franklin County Commission is asking for the County to send a letter to State lawmakers in support of HB 302 and SB 172.

Both Bills in the State Legislature would prohibit local governments from adopting or enforcing ordinances regulating building design elements as applied to one or two-family dwellings.

Commissioner Eddie Wester said in their work session last week, citizens have to the right to choose the kind of home they want and what materials to use.

“It was my feeling that this is just way too much government overreach,” he said. “I don’t feel like the government has the right to tell you what your house has to look like if they’re spending their money to build it.  If you’re putting your money into a business, I don’t think the government has the right to tell you how to build it or what it should like.”

State Senator John Wilkinson sponsored the bill on the Senate side and State Representative sponsored the bill on the House side.

Neither bill came up for a vote at this year’s General Assembly.

No vote was taken on Wester’s suggestion.