Texas House Bill HB1642

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the rights, remedies, and liability of certain owners and operators of environmentally contaminated property in certain counties.

Impact

The passage of HB 1642 would amend existing laws within the Civil Practice and Remedies Code and the Health and Safety Code to introduce specific rights for property owners dealing with contamination issues. One significant aspect of the bill is the introduction of a statute of repose, which allows property owners to file suit within 25 years after identifying the responsible party for contamination. Such provisions are designed to offer protection to property owners and encourage responsible cleanup efforts from corporations or individuals that may be liable for contamination.

Summary

House Bill 1642 focuses on the rights, remedies, and liabilities of certain property owners and operators in Texas, specifically relating to properties contaminated by environmental sources. The bill specifically applies to properties that are less than ten acres in size and located in counties along the international border with a population of 800,000 or more. This legislation aims to provide a framework for compensating property owners who experience property value reduction and other damages due to environmental contamination from off-site sources that have not been cleaned up for over 15 years.

Sentiment

Overall, discussions around HB 1642 indicate a supportive sentiment among legislators advocating for property rights and environmental remediation. Proponents believe the bill provides essential protections to vulnerable property owners, especially in border counties that may face unique challenges related to environmental issues. However, there are concerns among some stakeholders about how the bill might impact businesses and property development in heavily contaminated areas.

Contention

Despite the generally positive sentiment, notable points of contention revolve around the implications of the bill's provisions on local governance and the economic impact on affected communities. Critics argue that while the bill aims to protect property owners, it could also impose financial burdens on responsible parties, which might lead to conflicts between property rights and business interests. Additionally, uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the new legal framework raises concerns about accessibility to justice for property owners seeking remediation.