Texas Senate Bill SB379

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 12/20/16

Caption

Relating to eminent domain reporting requirements for certain entities.

Impact

The legislative changes proposed by SB379 could significantly ease the compliance workload for small public school districts by removing the requirement to submit redundant reports if no changes have occurred. This amendment could lead to a modest increase in administrative efficiency within these districts, allowing them to reallocate resources to other essential functions. The legislation maintains a level of accountability by still requiring confirmation of data accuracy, which is critical for ensuring that the comptroller's eminent domain database remains current. Overall, the bill could enhance operational efficiency without compromising oversight.

Summary

SB379, introduced by Senator Perry, proposes amendments to the reporting requirements for certain entities regarding eminent domain. Specifically, it aims to streamline the annual reporting obligations for public school districts located in counties with a population of fewer than 25,000. Under the existing law, these districts are required to submit detailed reports to the comptroller each year concerning their eminent domain authorities. The new measure suggests that a school district only needs to report if there has been a change in their eminent domain authority information since their last submission. This change is intended to reduce administrative burdens on smaller districts while maintaining essential transparency around eminent domain activities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB379 appears to be generally supportive among legislators who recognize the need for flexibility in reporting requirements for smaller public entities. Advocates argue that the bill strikes an appropriate balance between reducing unnecessary burdens and maintaining transparency. However, there may be concerns from some watchdog groups or individuals associated with property rights advocacy who might view any reduction in reporting frequency as a potential risk to oversight and accountability in eminent domain practices. Thus, while the sentiment is mostly positive, it is accompanied by a careful consideration of accountability measures.

Contention

A notable point of contention regarding SB379 is the fundamental issue of balancing administrative burden with the need for transparency in the reporting of eminent domain activities. Proponents of the bill highlight the unnecessary strain on smaller districts caused by repetitive reporting when no changes are involved. Conversely, opponents fear that reducing the frequency of reports may lead to gaps in tracking how eminent domain is exercised, potentially affecting property owners' rights and community oversight. Nevertheless, the bill aims to include a mechanism for confirming the accuracy of previously submitted reports, which could mitigate some concerns while still addressing the administrative challenges faced by smaller school districts.