SB291 - Relating to the failure to disclose certain appraisal reports by an entity with eminent domain authority in connection with an offer to acquire real property.

      By: Schwertner, et al. S.B. No. 291     (Gates)           A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to the failure to disclose certain appraisal reports by an   entity with eminent domain authority in connection with an offer to   acquire real property.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Section 21.0111(a), Property Code, is amended to   read as follows:          (a)  An entity with eminent domain authority that wants to   acquire real property for a public use shall, by certified mail,   return receipt requested, disclose to the property owner at the   time an offer to purchase or lease the property is made any and all   appraisal reports produced or acquired by the entity relating   specifically to the owner's property and prepared in the 10 years   preceding the date of the offer. An entity that fails to meet the   requirements of this subsection is liable to the owner for   reasonable attorney's fees incurred by the owner to obtain a   disclosure required by this subsection.          SECTION 2.  The change in law made by this Act applies only   to the acquisition of real property in connection with an initial   offer made under Section 21.0113, Property Code, on or after the   effective date of this Act. An acquisition of real property in   connection with an initial offer made under Section 21.0113,   Property Code, before the effective date of this Act is governed by   the law applicable to the acquisition immediately before the   effective date of this Act, and that law is continued in effect for   that purpose.          SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.