BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1221

By: Lucio III

Natural Resources

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerned parties note that a buyer of residential property in Texas generally does not receive notice of the existence of a groundwater conservation district or other special purpose district that might regulate groundwater underneath the property. H.B. 1221 seeks to remedy this issue.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1221 amends the Property Code to add a provision to the seller's disclosure of property condition notice, required to be executed by the seller and given to the purchaser of residential real property comprising not more than one dwelling unit located in Texas, indicating whether the seller is aware that any portion of the property is located in a groundwater conservation district, a subsidence district, or other special purpose district with the authority to regulate the withdrawal of groundwater. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2015.