H.B. No. 1261 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure regarding the handling of abandoned or unclaimed property seized by peace officers in Texas. The bill specifies that all unclaimed personal property, except for contraband and certain alcoholic beverages, must be delivered for disposition to a designated person by the municipality or county purchasing agent after being unclaimed for 30 days. It also introduces new requirements for notifying the owner of the property, allowing for notice to be sent via certified mail or posted on the law enforcement agency's website and social media. The bill establishes a 90-day period for owners to claim their property before it is disposed of, with proceeds from the sale deposited into the municipality or county treasury.

Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for properties valued at $500 or more, requiring a notice to be published in a local newspaper and online at least 14 days before the sale. It clarifies that if the property is valued at less than $500 and the owner is unknown, the designated person may sell or donate the property. The amendments aim to streamline the process of handling unclaimed property while ensuring that owners are adequately notified of their rights to reclaim their belongings. The law will apply to property seized on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025, while properties seized prior will continue to be governed by the previous law.