SRC-TJG H.B. 1306 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterH.B. 1306
78R6338 KCR-FBy: Marchant (Wentworth)
Administration
5-2-2003
Engrossed

DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Currently, documents pertaining to the purchase or sale of real property
by the School Land Board, Veterans' Land Board, General Land Office, or
the commissioner of the General Land Office are only held confidential
until the execution of a contract for the purchase or sale of the
property.  However, the majority of contracts have a feasibility period or
other waiting period built into the contract to allow the buyer time to
inspect the property and perhaps engage in further negotiations.  H.B.
1306 makes confidential "any information relating to either location,
purchase price, or sale price of real property" until the deed for the
property is executed.  This bill enables the General Land Office and the
commissioner to obtain the best possible price for Permanent School Fund
and other state assets. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to
a state officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 11.084, Natural Resources Code, as added by
Chapter 1317, Acts of the 77th Legislature, Regular Session, 2001, by
redesignating it as Section 11.086 and amending it as follows: 

Sec. 11.086.  CONFIDENTIALITY OF CERTAIN INFORMATION RELATED TO PURCHASE
OR SALE OF REAL PROPERTY.  (a)  Provides that information relating to the
location, or purchase price, or sale price of real property purchased or
sold by or for the School Land Board, Veterans' Land Board, land office,
or commissioner under authority granted by this code is confidential and
exempt from disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code, until a deed
for the property is executed, rather than until a formal award of a
contract for the purchase or sale of the property is executed.  

 (b) No change to this subsection.

SECTION 2.  Effective date:  upon passage or September 1, 2003.