Bill

HB 1422

84(R) - 2015
House Land & Resource Management
House Land & Resource Management
Eminent Domain
San Patricio County

Vote Recommendation

No
  • Neutral
  • Negative
  • Neutral
  • Negative
  • Neutral

Author(s)

J.M. Lozano

Co-Author(s)

Ryan Guillen

Bill Caption

Relating to the restoration of expired eminent domain authority of certain rural rail transportation districts.

Fiscal Notes

There is no significant fiscal implication to the State.

Local Government

There could be a fiscal impact to local entities; however the amount cannot be determined. The fiscal impact on a local entity would vary depending on which applicable rural rail transportation districts exercise eminent domain and the amount of land obtained.

Bill Analysis

HB 1422 would amend code to restore the San Patricio County Rural Rail Transportation District's eminent domain power.

Vote Recommendation Notes

05/18/2015 We still oppose HB 1422 in the second chamber. The second chamber sponsor is Senator Zaffirini.

This bill would abridge the principles of limited government and property rights. Many districts unnecessarily possess eminent domain power and this is an often abused power of government and affects property rights. The San Patricio County Rural Rail Transportation District's eminent domain power expired due to the district's own inaction and noncompliance with state law. We see no compelling need to restore eminent domain power for this district. For this reason, we oppose HB 1422.