SRC-DPW H.B. 2019 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 2019 76R5064 MLS-FBy: Staples (Nixon) Natural Resources 5/11/1999 Engrossed DIGEST Currently, the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (department) owns a 1,023 acre property that houses the Rusk State Hospital. The City of Rusk evaluated different locations in the area for economic development and determined that a site on the Rusk State Hospital property of 12.07 acres would be suitable for its needs. The department has no plans for expansion or development on this tract of land. This bill would authorize the department to sell the acreage to the City of Rusk. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 2019 authorizes the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation to convey certain state-owned real property in Cherokee County to the City of Rusk. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION FOR CONVEYANCE. Authorizes the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (department) to convey all of the interest of the state in the real property described by SECTION 2 of this Act and all improvements on the property to the City of Rusk. Requires the General Land Office (GLO) to determine the amount of consideration due under this Act. Requires proceeds from the sale to be deposited to the credit of the department in the Texas capital trust fund established under Chapter 2201, Government Code. Authorizes the proceeds and any interest from the proceeds to only be appropriated for improvements to the facilities of the department. Requires the commissioner of GLO to reserve ownership of all oil, gas, and other minerals in and under the real property and the right to remove such materials. Provides that Sections 31.1571 and 31.158, Natural Resources Code, and Section 533.084, Health and Safety Code, do not apply to the conveyance authorized by this section. SECTION 2. Sets forth boundaries and descriptions of the real property authorized for conveyance by SECTION 1 of this Act. SECTION 3.Emergency clause. Effective date: upon passage.