Bill > SB291

This bill modifies Texas property law to strengthen disclosure requirements for entities with eminent domain authority (governmental or utility entities that can legally acquire private property for public use) when making property purchase offers. Specifically, the bill requires these entities to disclose all appraisal reports related to a specific property that were produced or acquired within the past 10 years at the time they make an initial purchase offer, and adds a new penalty provision that makes the entity liable for the property owner's reasonable attorney's fees if they fail to fully disclose these appraisal reports. The changes will apply only to initial property acquisition offers made on or after the bill's effective date of September 1, 2025, meaning previous offers will be governed by the law as it existed before this amendment. The key purpose appears to be increasing transparency and protecting property owners' interests by ensuring they have access to all relevant valuation information when an entity seeks to acquire their property through eminent domain.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB291