Texas Senate Bill SB442

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/4/11
• Introduced: 1/28/11
• Voted on by Senate: 4/14/11
• Refer: 2/23/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/10/11
• Report Pass: 4/4/11
• Engrossed: 4/14/11
• Refer: 4/26/11
• Report Pass: 5/5/11

Caption

Relating to notice by a governmental entity regarding certain geospatial data products.

Impact

The implementation of SB442 is expected to impact the way governmental entities disseminate geospatial information. By mandating that notices accompany geospatial data products that do not originate from certified land surveys, the bill reinforces the reliability of property boundary information. This could significantly reduce potential disputes that arise from misinterpretations of geospatial data. For legal proceedings and property transactions, having clear advisories attached to these products can enhance transparency and accountability.

Summary

Senate Bill 442 addresses the need for informational notices by governmental entities when providing geospatial data products. It aims to ensure that any geospatial data product that represents property boundaries includes a disclaimer indicating that it may not be suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. This measure is particularly important because it clarifies the limitations of data that is not generated from professional land surveys, thus protecting both the government and the public from misunderstandings regarding the accuracy and intended use of such products.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding SB442 lies in its potential implications for governmental practices and the expectations of the public. Critics may argue that the requirement for such notices could lead to decreased trust in government-provided geospatial products, as users might assume a lower quality of information or increased liability concerns. Additionally, there might be worries regarding the ability of smaller governmental entities to implement these requirements effectively, potentially leading to inconsistencies across different jurisdictions.