Texas House Bill HB797

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to providing information to the public and to purchasers of real property regarding the impact of military installations.

Impact

The bill's enactment will notably amend Chapter 397 of the Local Government Code and Section 5.008 of the Property Code. Local government authorities are now required to maintain updated links to the most current Air Installation Compatible Use Zone Studies or Joint Land Use Studies. This change aims to inform property purchasers about potential noise and land-use compatibility issues that might arise due to proximity to military operations, impacting their decision-making when buying property in these areas.

Summary

House Bill 797 relates to the provision of information regarding the impact of military installations on local real estate. Specifically, the bill mandates that counties and municipalities housing military installations must collaborate with these installations to ensure that information, including studies relevant to the impact of military operations, is accessible to the public on their official websites. This reflects an effort to improve transparency and awareness among potential property buyers regarding the possible effects military activities might have on their residences.

Contention

Despite its positive intention of safeguarding buyers' rights to information, some may contest the requirements imposed on local governments. Critics argue that the burden of compliance could strain local resources or lead to inconsistencies in how information is presented across different municipalities. Particularly in smaller jurisdictions, there may be concerns regarding the capacity to stay updated with relevant studies and maintain the required transparency without additional financial support from the state.