S.B. No. 292 amends the Government Code and Property Code to enhance the rights of property owners in the context of eminent domain. The bill requires that the "Landowner's Bill of Rights" statement includes specific information about the condemnation process, the obligations of the condemning entity, and the rights of property owners, including their right to refuse entry for examinations or surveys, negotiate terms, and appeal damage awards. Additionally, it mandates that any initial offer made by a condemning entity must separately identify any real property not sought for condemnation and provide distinct offers for those properties.

The bill also introduces a new requirement for entities with eminent domain authority to provide a survey permission form that clearly states the owner's rights regarding property entry and the entity's responsibilities for any damages incurred during examinations or surveys. Furthermore, it specifies that the attorney general must make the updated "Landowner's Bill of Rights" available online by January 1, 2026, and establishes that the changes will apply only to offers made after this date. Overall, the legislation aims to protect property owners' rights and ensure transparency in the eminent domain process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 402.031, Property Code 21.0112, Property Code 21.0113 (Government Code 402, Property Code 21)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 402.031, Property Code 21.0112, Property Code 21.0113 (Government Code 402, Property Code 21)
Engrossed: Government Code 402.031, Property Code 21.0112, Property Code 21.0113 (Government Code 402, Property Code 21)