By: Middleton S.B. No. 2551
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the use of appropriated money for nonprofit
organizations advocating for governmental adoption of a policy of
managed retreat.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 2113, Government Code, is amended by
adding Subchapter F to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER F. RESTRICTIONS REGARDING CERTAIN POLICIES
Sec. 2113.401. MANAGED RETREAT. (a) In this section,
"managed retreat" means the mandated removal of population,
buildings, infrastructure, or other assets from lands adjacent to
the Gulf of Mexico through government action and forced
resettlement. The term does not include the renourishment of
beaches or engaging in property buyouts under Chapter 61, Natural
Resources Code, following natural disasters.
(b) A state agency or political subdivision of this state
shall not adopt or enforce a policy of managed retreat as defined by
this section.
(c) A state agency may not use appropriated money to
contract with, award a grant to, or otherwise provide financial
support to a nonprofit organization that has made a public
statement calling for or has otherwise advocated for the adoption
by this state or a political subdivision of this state of a policy
of managed retreat.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2023.