Texas Senate Bill SB823

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the sale by certain municipalities of leased land located near the shoreline of a lake.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts state laws regarding municipal land sales and property management. By allowing certain cities to expedite the sale of shoreline property without competitive bidding or public notice, it aims to facilitate more efficient land transactions. This provision is particularly relevant for municipalities that manage shoreline land for recreational or public use, as it helps ensure that they can quickly respond to leasing and sales opportunities without bureaucratic delays. However, the bill also establishes that property sold under this provision is not eligible for specific tax exemptions, focusing instead on maintaining public health and welfare and ensuring adequate municipal water supply.

Summary

SB823 relates to the sale of leased land located near the shoreline of a lake by certain municipalities in Texas. Specifically, the bill modifies Section 272.001(h) of the Local Government Code to allow municipalities with populations of up to 1.5 million to sell land within 5,000 feet of the shoreline to the person leasing that land. Notably, this sale can occur without the requirement for public notice or solicitation of bids, provided the land is sold at fair market value as appraised by a certified appraiser. This change aims to streamline the process for municipalities to manage resources and engage in transactions for public benefit.

Contention

While the bill's primary objective is to promote efficiency in municipal land transactions, it may raise concerns among stakeholders about transparency and public engagement. Opponents could argue that bypassing public notice and bidding requirements undermines accountability and could lead to potential favoritism in land deals. This could be particularly contentious in regions where land has significant ecological or recreational value, as stakeholders might fear that sales conducted in this manner could prioritize short-term revenues over long-term community interests.