78R8319 MXM-D

By:  Wentworth                                                  S.J.R. No. 57 



A JOINT RESOLUTION

proposing a constitutional amendment to allow the repurchase of 
real property acquired by a governmental entity through eminent 
domain.
	BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                       
	SECTION 1.  Article III, Texas Constitution, is amended by 
adding Section 52-c to read as follows:
	Sec. 52-c.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this 
constitution, a governmental entity may sell real property acquired 
through eminent domain at the price the entity paid at the time of 
acquisition if:
		(1)  the public use for which the property was 
originally acquired no longer exists; and
		(2)  the sale is made to the person who owned the real 
property interest immediately before the governmental entity 
acquired the property interest, or to the heirs of that person if 
the person is deceased.
	SECTION 2.  This proposed constitutional amendment shall be 
submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 4, 2003.  
The ballot shall be printed to provide for voting for or against the 
proposition:  "The constitutional amendment to allow governmental 
entities to sell property acquired through eminent domain back to 
the previous owners at the price the entities paid to acquire the 
property."