Bill > HB2494

This bill modifies the Texas Local Government Code to expand the circumstances under which property owners can petition for disannexation from a municipality. The bill allows property owners (instead of registered voters) to initiate a disannexation process if a municipality fails to provide promised services or meet certain obligations within specified timeframes. Specifically, property owners can now seek disannexation if the municipality: does not provide services as outlined in the original annexation agreement, fails to perform in good faith, or has not connected the majority of properties in the area to municipal water and wastewater systems when other areas of the municipality are connected. The petition process is detailed, requiring written documentation, property owner signatures, area description, and proper notice through public posting and newspaper publication. If successful, the property owners can pursue a legal action in district court, and the court may award attorney's fees. The bill also clarifies that for areas improperly annexed, landowners would not be eligible for tax or fee refunds, and disannexation cannot include land comprising navigable waterways. The bill would take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas Legislature, or on September 1, 2025, if it does not receive the immediate effect vote.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2494