Texas House Bill HB2197

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/27/11
• Introduced: 3/4/11
• Voted on by House: 5/9/11
• Engrossed: 5/9/11
• Refer: 5/10/11

Caption

Relating to the purchase of property as part of a homestead land bank program.

Impact

Should HB 2197 be enacted, its implications on state laws could be significant, particularly in how tax foreclosures are handled. The bill permits tax-foreclosed properties to be sold without the typical requirement of public auction, provided certain criteria are met. This could lead to a more streamlined process for municipalities faced with the management of foreclosed properties, decreasing the administrative burden and encouraging maintenance of land that is otherwise neglected.

Summary

House Bill 2197 relates to the purchase of property through a homestead land bank program, aiming to facilitate the acquisition of delinquent properties that are in tax foreclosure. This bill modifies existing provisions in the Local Government Code, allowing for the sale of properties directly to designated land banks under specific conditions. By changing the sale process and allowing for transactions below market value, the bill attempts to provide a practical solution for managing properties that have long-term tax delinquencies, which can otherwise burden municipalities with unsold and potentially hazardous properties.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill poses notable points of contention depending on perspectives regarding property rights and local governance. Critics may express concerns about the implications for property owners who risk losing their properties without fair market compensation due to the allowances for reduced sale prices. The bill's mechanisms for property sales and consent from local taxing units may also spark debate on the balance between effective governance and the rights of individual property owners, highlighting the need for transparency and fairness in the sale of foreclosed properties.