Passed 84th Regular Session:
- SB 1812 Relating to transparency in the reporting of eminent domain authority and the creation of an eminent domain database.
Synopsis: Senate Bill 1812 amends the Government Code to require the comptroller of public accounts to create and make accessible on a website an eminent domain database containing information regarding public and private entities, including common carriers, authorized by the state by a general or special law to exercise the power of eminent domain. The bill requires each applicable entity to report to the comptroller certain information as prescribed by the bill, provides for civil penalties for an entity’s noncompliance with that reporting requirement, and authorizes the attorney general to sue to collect a civil penalty.
- HB 463 Relating to the ability to mow, bale, shred, or hoe material on a state highway right-of-way.
Synopsis: House Bill 463 amends the Transportation Code to limit the applicability of state law relating to a person’s ability to clear vegetation on a state highway right-of-way adjacent to real property not owned by the person. If the county has a population of less than 10,000 people the district engineer does not have to provide the property owner the option of mowing, baling, shredding, or hoeing material on the right-of-way before granting permission to another person.
- HB 565 Relating to powers of private toll project entities.
Synopsis: House Bill 565 amends the Transportation Code to provide for public input on private turnpikes and toll projects, prohibit certain toll road corporations from exercising the power of eminent domain, and authorize agreements between private and public toll project entities.
- HB 2536 Relating to jurisdiction in an eminent domain proceeding in Harris County.
Synopsis: HB 2536 gives district courts in Harris County concurrent jurisdiction with county courts over eminent domain proceedings if the amount in controversy exceeded $200,000. The bill establishs that the amount in controversy would be the amount of the bona fide offer made by the entity with eminent domain authority to acquire the property.