Bill

SB 1918

86(R) - 2019
Senate Intergovernmental Relations
Senate Intergovernmental Relations

Vote Recommendation

Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Carol Alvarado

Bill Caption

Relating to the creation of an urban land bank by certain municipalities; granting authority to issue bonds.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 1918 would reauthorize certain municipalities with a population of two million or more to adopt a land bank program (specifically, the Houston Land Bank) for the purpose of acquiring, managing, and disposing of vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties and returning those properties to productive uses.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action remains neutral on SB 1918 because it embodies conflicting liberty principles. In the past, we have been neutral on these bills because, while on one hand they interfere in the free market, these programs also address costly impacts of abandoned homes and property. In addition, vacant properties tend to attract crime and remain substantial fire hazards which have a generally negative impact on the surrounding community.