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.