Texas House Bill HB3461

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/14/09
• Voted on by House: 4/30/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/15/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/25/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 6/1/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the powers and duties of the School Land Board and the commissioner of the General Land Office.

Impact

The introduction of HB3461 is expected to streamline land management practices within Texas, particularly in enhancing oversight and accountability in land transactions. The bill emphasizes the need for regular meetings of the School Land Board and establishes guidelines for when and how bids for land are opened. This could potentially lead to increased interest in bidding due to clearer expectations and more transparent procedures, benefiting the public school fund that relies on these transactions for financial sustenance.

Summary

House Bill 3461 addresses the powers and duties of the School Land Board and the commissioner of the General Land Office. It aims to improve the efficiency and transparency in the management of public school land, including the processes for selling, leasing, and developing these lands. The bill outlines specific amendments to the Natural Resources Code, focusing on clarifying the procedures for land transactions and the responsibilities of the School Land Board during these processes. Significantly, it establishes a structure for how land is to be opened for bids and sets the framework for handling the classification and valuation of land designated for the permanent school fund.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB3461 may arise related to local versus statewide oversight of land management. Stakeholders, including local authorities and community members, may have concerns about the level of control exercised by the General Land Office—whether it adequately considers local needs in land use decisions. Additionally, there may be debates surrounding the impact of simplifying land transaction processes, particularly if it leads to a perception that local interests are undervalued in favor of broader state financial objectives.