Texas Senate Bill SB1953

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/24/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/7/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/21/09

Caption

Relating to authorizing the transfer of certain real property held by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Impact

The proposed transfer holds significant implications for local governance and promotes a model where government property can be repurposed for community benefit. However, it mandates compliance with public interest stipulations, ensuring the property serves community needs in accordance with state interests. Should Brazoria County fail to adhere to the intended use over a continuous 180-day period, the bill states that ownership will revert back to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, introducing a layer of oversight intended to protect public interest.

Summary

SB1953 aims to authorize the transfer of approximately 332 acres of real property held by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to Brazoria County. The legislation dictates that the transfer must be completed by January 1, 2010, and that the county must use the property in a manner that primarily promotes a public purpose benefiting the state’s public interest. This provision is central to the bill as it establishes the expectations for the use of the land post-transfer.

Conclusion

Overall, SB1953 serves to facilitate the transfer of state-held property for community-oriented use while ensuring accountability and compliance with public interest standards. This balance may result in a richer dialogue on the use of public property and the responsibilities of local entities in managing state resources.

Contention

While the bill appears straightforward in its objectives, discussions may arise regarding what constitutes a 'public purpose.' There are also potential points of contention related to the land’s future use, community impact, and how the state enforces these stipulations. Moreover, any feelings of unease regarding the reversion clause may lead to debates about the sufficiency of local governance versus state oversight.