Bill: SB 627, 85(R) - 2017
Committee
Senate State Affairs
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| Yes |
Neutral |
Positive |
Neutral |
Positive |
Neutral |
Author(s)
Brian Birdwell
Konni Burton
Brandon Creighton
Bob Hall
Don Huffines
Lois Kolkhorst
Robert Nichols
Charles Schwertner
Kel Seliger
Judith Zaffirini
Bill Caption
Relating to notice of a property owner’s rights relating to the examination or survey of property by an entity with eminent domain authority.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
Under current law, the state may seize private property under eminent domain. SB 627 would require the state to be responsible for damages inflicted to property arising from the examination of the land. This bill would also grant the owner the ability to seek to negotiate the terms of property examination and the condemning entity would be able to sue for examination permission if the owner refuses to consent to property examination. A form would also be required to be given to the owner and conspicuously state the rights of the owner and the condemning entity.
Vote Recommendation Notes
This bill supports the principles of limited government and private property rights by making the entities who exercise the right of condemnation liable for damages to property and giving the property owner more control over state examinations. For this reason, we support SB 627.
Organizations Supporting
Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance
National Federation of Independent Business
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association
Texas Association of Realtors
Texas Farm Bureau
Texas Public Policy Foundation
Texas Wildlife Association
Organizations Opposed
City of San Antonio
The Association of Electric Companies of Texas, Inc
