Bill

SB 721

87(R) - 2021
Senate State Affairs
Senate State Affairs
Property Rights
Eminent Domain

Companion Bill

HB 2041

Contact the Author

Charles Schwertner

Phone:

512-463-0105

Capitol Office:

3E.10

Email:

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Charles Schwertner
Paul Bettencourt
Brian Birdwell
Dawn Buckingham
Donna Campbell
Bob Hall
Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa
Joan Huffman
Lois Kolkhorst
Borris Miles
Angela Paxton
Charles Perry
Kel Seliger
Drew Springer

Bill Caption

Relating to the disclosure of appraisal reports in connection with the use of eminent domain authority.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

SB 721 would mandate that an entity seeking to acquire real property through the use of eminent domain disclose to the property owner, no later than the third business day before the special commissioner's hearing, all current and existing appraisal reports produced or acquired by the entity relating to the owner's property that was used in determining the entity's opinion of the value of the property. This would only be required if an appraisal report is used at the hearing. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action supports SB 721 which uplifts our principles of limited government and property rights by requiring a condemning entity to disclose the appraisal reports they used, if any, that helped influence the condemner's property valuation. Condemning entities should not be allowed to withhold any information from a landowner which might benefit the landowner's case to keep their property or receive a higher price for it. 

Contact the Author

Charles Schwertner

Phone:

512-463-0105

Capitol Office:

3E.10

Email: