Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4277

Filed
3/9/23  
Out of House Committee
4/28/23  
Voted on by House
5/6/23  
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the right of a purchaser to terminate a contract of purchase and sale of real property for failure to provide notice that the property is located in a public improvement district.

Impact

The bill serves to clarify and streamline the notification process introduced by previous legislation (HB 1543) that established requirements for property transfers involving public improvement districts. By aligning these disclosure requirements with those of other special districts, HB 4277 not only seeks to enhance transparency in real estate transactions but also ensures equal treatment across different types of property disclosures. This standardization could help foster greater confidence among buyers and provide more comprehensive information about the properties they are considering.

Summary

House Bill 4277 pertains to the rights of purchasers of real property, specifically regarding the ability to terminate contracts if the seller fails to notify the buyer that the property is located in a public improvement district. This bill aims to amend existing property law to ensure that buyers are adequately informed about the implications of purchasing property in these designated districts. With the changes proposed in HB 4277, a purchaser could terminate a contract within seven days of receiving notice of the property’s status in a public improvement district, thereby offering an important consumer protection mechanism.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB 4277 appears to be positive, especially among stakeholders such as the Texas Realtors, who support the bill's intent to improve clarity in real estate negotiations. Testimonies from representatives in committee hearings indicated a strong belief that the bill would reinforce consumer protections and safeguard buyer interests in real estate transactions. Most discussions reflected an understanding that well-informed buyers could lead to smoother transaction processes, promoting trust in the real estate market.

Contention

While the bill has gained majority support, there may have been some discussions around whether the notification timeframe of seven days is sufficient for all buyers, particularly those unfamiliar with the intricacies of public improvement districts. However, specific points of contention were not extensively detailed in the current discussions. Overall, the consensus seems to support the bill as a necessary procedural improvement that enhances the rights of property buyers.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Property Code

  • Chapter 5. Conveyances
    • Section: 0141
    • Section: 0141
    • Section: 0141
    • Section: 0141

Local Government Code

  • Chapter 372. Improvement Districts In Municipalities And Counties
    • Section: 013
    • Section: 013
    • Section: 013

Companion Bills

TX SB1374

Identical Relating to the right of a purchaser to terminate a contract of purchase and sale of real property for failure to provide notice that the property is located in a public improvement district.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1374

Relating to the right of a purchaser to terminate a contract of purchase and sale of real property for failure to provide notice that the property is located in a public improvement district.

TX HB2468

Relating to the right of a purchaser to terminate a contract of purchase and sale of real property for failure to provide notice that the property is located in a public improvement district.

TX SB1107

Relating to the right of a purchaser to terminate a contract of purchase and sale of real property for failure to provide notice that the property is located in a public improvement district.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.