Texas House Bill HCR104

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Urging Congress to require the Bureau of Land Management to commission a gradient boundary survey of the south bank of the Red River.

Impact

The bill emphasizes the historical context of the land dispute. It references a Supreme Court ruling from 1922 that set the boundary line based on the river's southern gradient boundary. The BLM's claims led to surveys that alarmed property owners by extending what they consider federal claims far beyond the river itself, encompassing homes and agricultural land. This situation has upheld the call for a clear and fair resolution to the boundary question, highlighting the need for the BLM to conduct the mandated survey that would determine rightful ownership according to historical legal tenets.

Summary

HCR104 urges Congress to require the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to conduct a gradient boundary survey of the south bank of the Red River, which has become a contentious issue between federal authorities and Texas landowners. The resolution highlights that Texas property owners have longstanding claims to this land, with many asserting ownership through deeds that date back to the 19th century. The resolution argues that the BLM's recent actions, which include claiming significant portions of land as federal property, have caused uncertainty for local landowners, impacting their rights and property values.

Contention

The proposal has sparked debate about property rights and the role of the federal government in local land disputes. Proponents argue that the federal government’s actions infringe upon individual property rights and express that a failure to resolve this issue violates due process guarantees. Detractors of the BLM's approach claim that without a proper assessment, landowners are left uncertain, with their attributes and investments being compromised. Thus, HCR104 seeks not only to clarify ownership but also protect the rights of local citizens affected by federal overreach.