One week after Hays County Commissions voted to support House Bill 1303, Dripping Springs City Council on Feb. 19 followed suit, passing a resolution of support of their own.

House Bill 1303 would restrict the presence of billboards along certain roads in Hays County. Filed by Hays County’s state Rep. Erin Zwiener, D-Driftwood, the bill would add FM 1826, RM 150 and RM 967 to the current list of roads where “off-premise signage” is prohibited by the Texas Transportation Code.

Zwiener named HB 1303 the Hill Country Scenic Highways Bill and stated in a Feb. 4 press release that she believes billboards create visual and light pollution, reduce surrounding property values and usually remain once they are erected. The bill is supported by the Friendship Alliance, Hill Country Alliance and Rim Rock Subdivision.

Dripping Springs city staff said the city of Kyle is expected to pass a similar motion of support at a meeting next week.

“Western Hays County is growing fast, but folks visit and move here because of the beautiful scenery,” Zwiener stated in the release. “We must protect our tourism, our property values, and our beautiful views.”