Texas House Bill HB2418

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to a written response by the General Land Office to a request by a governmental entity to use certain real property owned by the state.

Impact

The introduction of HB 2418 is significant as it aims to formalize the process by which requests for using state-owned property are handled. By requiring written denials to include the reasons for rejection, the bill enhances transparency and provides governmental entities with clearer guidelines on the usage of state resources. This could lead to more informed future requests and better planning by local governments as they work within the constraints of available state property.

Summary

House Bill 2418 pertains to the responsibilities of the Texas General Land Office when responding to requests for the use of state-owned real property by governmental entities. The bill mandates that the commissioner or their designee must provide a written response to any request for approval of property use. This requirement aims to ensure clarity and accountability in the interaction between state agencies and local governmental entities regarding the use of state resources.

Contention

While the bill primarily focuses on procedural aspects, it may raise discussions about access to state resources. The requirement for written feedback from the General Land Office could be contentious, particularly if it leads to conflicts over property usage priorities among various governmental bodies. Certain members of the legislature may argue that added bureaucracy could complicate or slow down the approval process for projects that rely on access to state property, potentially influencing timelines for local initiatives.