Bill > SB292

This bill amends Texas property laws to enhance protections for landowners during eminent domain proceedings by requiring more transparent and detailed communication from entities seeking to acquire property. The bill mandates that entities with eminent domain authority must provide a "Landowner's Bill of Rights" that clearly explains the condemnation procedure, the property owner's rights, and the entity's obligations. Specifically, the bill requires entities to create a survey permission form that explicitly states the owner's right to refuse property entry, negotiate survey terms, and seek damages, while also informing owners that the entity can seek a court order to conduct surveys if permission is denied. The bill also requires entities to separately identify and make distinct offers for any additional property they might want to acquire beyond the primary targeted property, ensuring more clarity in the acquisition process. Furthermore, entities must provide more comprehensive information in their initial offers, including a detailed statement about compensation, damages, and appraisal information. The changes will apply to initial offers made on or after January 1, 2026, giving government agencies and private entities time to adjust their procedures, and the Attorney General's office is required to make the updated Landowner's Bill of Rights statement available online by that date.