Honorable Robert Nichols, Chair, Senate Committee on Transportation
FROM:
Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB979 by Schwertner (Relating to the disposition of real property intended for high-speed rail projects.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted
No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Transportation Code prohibiting a private entity that acquires property for a high-speed rail project, through threat of purported power of eminent domain, to use the property for any other purpose. If the property is not used for a high-speed rail project the property may not be conveyed to any person unless the former owner is given notice and opportunity to repurchase the property.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2017.
Local Government Impact
According to Texas Association of Counties, no significant fiscal impact is anticipated from the provisions of the bill.