Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2550

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to an exemption of the transfer of certain rights in water from certain disclosure requirements applicable to the transfer of certain interests in real property.

Impact

The impact of SB2550 is primarily felt in the realm of property law, particularly as it relates to coastal real estate. By reducing disclosure requirements, the bill could facilitate real estate deals in areas close to coastal waters, thus promoting economic activity. However, this comes with the trade-off of potentially less transparency about the risks associated with owning such properties. Buyers may find themselves unaware of important legal and environmental implications, such as erosion risks or changes in property boundaries due to natural shifts in the coastline resulting from erosion and other factors.

Summary

SB2550 aims to modify the disclosure requirements involved in the transfer of certain rights associated with water as they pertain to real property in the state of Texas. Specifically, the bill addresses transactions involving interests that do not pertain directly to groundwater, surface water rights, or mineral rights, yet occur in regions influenced by tidal waters. The proposed legislation seeks to streamline such transactions by lessening the disclosure obligations for sellers, thus potentially accelerating property transfers and reducing the bureaucratic burden associated with real estate transactions on coastal properties.

Contention

While the bill seeks to benefit property sellers by easing the legal intricacies of transferring property rights near coastal areas, there are concerns about the implications for buyers and environmental safeguards. Critics could argue that the relaxed measures may lead to a lack of adequate information for purchasers regarding the risks involved, thereby increasing the potential for future disputes. Furthermore, environmental advocates may express concern that easing these requirements could risk greater degradation of coastal areas by making it easier to overlook significant environmental considerations during property transactions.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Property Code

  • Chapter 5. Conveyances
    • Section: New Section

Natural Resources Code

  • Chapter 33. Management Of Coastal Public Land
    • Section: 135
  • Chapter 61. Use And Maintenance Of Public Beaches
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX HB3901

Same As Relating to an exemption of the transfer of certain rights in water from certain disclosure requirements applicable to the transfer of certain interests in real property.

Similar Bills

TX HB3901

Relating to an exemption of the transfer of certain rights in water from certain disclosure requirements applicable to the transfer of certain interests in real property.

TX HB3483

Relating to seller's disclosure regarding the presence of contaminants on residential real property.

TX HB8

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TX HB28

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TX HB2829

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MA S1434

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