Texas House Bill HB2703

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to notice of a sale of surplus or salvage property by counties.

Impact

The proposed legislation is expected to streamline the process by which counties can dispose of surplus property, thereby potentially increasing efficiency and transparency in local government operations. By enabling online sales and establishing clear guidelines for public notice, the bill aims to enhance accessibility for citizens interested in purchasing surplus property. This could result in greater participation from potential buyers, which could benefit the county financially.

Summary

House Bill 2703 was introduced to amend the Local Government Code regarding the sale of surplus or salvage property by counties in Texas. The bill aims to modernize the notice requirements associated with such sales, allowing counties that either contract with licensed auctioneers or utilize county employees to conduct sales through internet auction sites to meet their notice obligations. Specifically, it modifies how counties are required to notify the public of these sales, now permitting notification through an online auction site that facilitates bidding for a minimum of 10 days.

Contention

While the bill appears to streamline processes for counties, there may be some contention regarding the adequacy of online notice as a substitute for traditional newspaper publication. Critics may argue that relying solely on internet postings could disadvantage members of the community who do not have easy access to the internet or who may be less familiar with navigating online auction platforms. Furthermore, some may express concerns about ensuring transparency and accountability in how these sales are conducted, suggesting that traditional methods of public notice may need to remain in some form to protect community interests.