Check out our roundup of the latest in Texas eminent domain news for September 2021:
Several new Texas laws go into effect Sept. 1
Source: Texas Farm Bureau
A total of 666 pieces of legislation passed during the 87th Texas Legislature regular session went into effect on Sept. 1, including HB 4107. This law requires that landowners be notified at least two days ahead of time when a common carrier intends to survey their land, and the notification must include accurate contact information for the entity in case landowners have questions.
Texas lawmakers approve $1.8B for border security requested by Abbott
Source: Houston Chronicle
The Texas Senate recently approved a $1.8 billion border security bill aimed at deterring migrants from attempting to cross the state’s southern border. The final spending package includes a Democratic amendment that prevents the state from building any section of the border barrier on land acquired through eminent domain.
Group of Texas lawmakers seek motion for Texas Supreme Court to rehear high-speed rail eminent domain case
Source: KBTX
The eleven lawmakers who signed on to the filing of an Amicus Curiae Letter to the court say Texas Central does not have the right to eminent domain under clear definition of state law and precedent based on past decisions. The court declined to review the case in June where an appeals court ruled in favor of the project.
Houston’s massive I-45 project gets new life from Texas Transportation Commission
Source: San Antonio Express-News
The Texas Transportation Commission voted to keep plans to expand and reroute Interstate 45 in Houston, for now. However, the commission will revisit the plans at the end of November. The vote is a blow to the thousands of families who will be forced from their homes during eminent domain proceedings.
Government plans to drop land condemnation lawsuit in Starr County, return property to owner
Source: Progress Times
The federal government will drop a land condemnation lawsuit filed against a Starr County woman and return her property — abandoning plans to build a section of border wall between Rio Grande City and Roma.
DART using eminent domain to acquire Plano property for Silver Line project
Source: Community Impact Newspaper
Dallas Area Rapid Transit will use eminent domain to seize part of a property at 910 10th St. in Plano for construction of the Silver Line. DART officials asked to use eminent domain to acquire the 28,831-square-feet of property after negotiations had reached an impasse between the company and the landowner.
