Texas Senate Bill SB1652

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/22/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/30/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/7/09
• Voted on by House: 5/26/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/26/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the transfer of certain state property from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to Mitchell County.

Impact

One of the key provisions of SB1652 is that Mitchell County is restricted to using the transferred property exclusively for purposes that align with public interest. If Mitchell County fails to adhere to this designation and uses the property for any other purpose, the property will automatically revert to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. This clause ensures that the land is maintained for constructive use and prevents potential misuse by the county.

Summary

Senate Bill 1652 pertains to the transfer of certain state property from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to Mitchell County. The bill mandates that this transfer of 221.72 acres of land must occur no later than 30 days after the bill's effective date. This property transfer is significant because it involves state-owned land, which must be managed and utilized in a manner that benefits the public interest of Texas.

Contention

The bill's framework raises important questions about local government's ability to manage state resources. While the intention is to protect state interests, critics might argue that such restrictions limit local authority and flexibility. Additionally, the requirement for the county to cover any transaction fees could lead to concerns about funding and resource allocation at the county level, potentially creating financial burdens for local governance.

Implementation

For the bill to take effect immediately, it requires a two-thirds majority vote from all elected members in both houses. If this immediate action doesn't occur, the bill will go into effect on September 1, 2009. This legislative process highlights the urgency and importance placed on the bill by its sponsors, which reflects the ongoing efforts to optimize state property utilization for local benefits.