Texas Senate Bill SB2228

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/28/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/4/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/20/09
• Voted on by House: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/28/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

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

Impact

The impact of SB2228 on state laws primarily revolves around land use and governance. By transferring property to a county level, the bill potentially empowers local governmental authorities while simultaneously setting forth guidelines to ensure that the property remains dedicated to the public good. The provisions establishing that ownership will revert to TDCJ if the property is not used appropriately reflect a mechanism for accountability, aiming to protect public assets from misallocation or neglect.

Summary

SB2228 is an act designed to facilitate the transfer of specific state-owned property from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to Coryell County. This bill mandates that the transfer of a specified 33.37-acre tract of land takes place by November 1, 2009, thereby enabling the county to utilize the land for beneficial public purposes. The bill underscores the need for the property to be employed solely in ways that would serve the public interest, reinforcing the idea that land ownership comes with social responsibilities.

Contention

While there does not appear to be significant contention within the bill itself, the broader implications of transferring state property to local entities can raise questions about local governance and the management of public lands. Issues such as how Coryell County intends to utilize the property, the potential for future land disputes, or local legislative authority over the property might emerge as points of discussion. Such considerations are crucial to ensuring that the original intent of benefiting the public interest is realized and maintained.