Texas House Bill HB2324

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 3/27/09
• Voted on by House: 4/15/09

Caption

Relating to authorizing the Texas Board of Criminal Justice to sell certain real property for municipal airport expansion.

Impact

The bill impacts state laws by modifying Section 496.0021 of the Government Code, allowing for a more efficient method for municipalities to acquire land necessary for airport expansion. The approach aims to facilitate growth in municipal airport facilities, which can enhance local transportation infrastructure. Additionally, the bill introduces a framework for determining fair market value of the land, considering necessary remediation costs, which ensures that municipalities pay a fair price for the property.

Summary

House Bill 2324 authorizes the Texas Board of Criminal Justice to sell certain real property directly to municipalities for the purpose of airport expansion. This bill aims to streamline the process by eliminating the requirement for sealed bids, provided certain conditions are met. Specifically, the municipality must notify the board of its desire to acquire the land, which must be adjacent to an active runway and intended for airport facility expansion. The sale process is designed to take place within 18 months following the notification, ensuring timely access to the land needed for development.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB2324 may arise from concerns regarding the valuation process of the land. While the bill stipulates the need for appraisals to determine fair market value, stakeholders may debate the fairness and transparency of these appraisals, especially if remediation costs significantly impact the final price. Moreover, there could be questions about the implications of such property sales for state agency operations, particularly regarding land previously used for guard housing.