SRC-JFA H.B. 2738 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2738 By: Uher (Patterson) Criminal Justice 5-9-97 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, the Texas Board of Criminal Justice (board) does not have the ability to exchange land with third parties. In mutually agreeable transactions, the board and third parties may benefit from reduced transaction costs if the parties were able to "trade" pieces of real property of equivalent value. This bill would authorize the board to convey real property in exchange for property of equivalent fair market value. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 2738 authorizes the Texas Board of Criminal Justice to convey real property in exchange for property of equivalent fair market value. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 496A, Government Code, by adding Section 496.0032, as follows: Sec. 496.0032. EXCHANGE OF REAL PROPERTY. Authorizes the Texas Board of Criminal Justice (board) to convey real property under the board's management and control to a third party if the third party conveys real property of an equivalent fair market value to the board. Requires the General Land Office to negotiate and close a transaction under this section on behalf of the board. SECTION 2. Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.