S.B. No. 600 amends the Uniform Partition of Heirs' Property Act in Texas by adding new sections to the Property Code that clarify the process for partitioning or voluntarily selling real property owned by cotenants. The bill introduces definitions for key terms such as "heir cotenant," "heirs' property," and "non-heir cotenant," and establishes requirements for petitions to partition property, including a statement on whether the property is heirs' property and details about the plaintiff's interest. It mandates that citations for partition actions be served to all relevant parties and outlines notification processes. Additionally, the bill requires the appointment of an attorney ad litem for unknown joint owners and sets forth procedures for settlement conferences and preliminary hearings to determine if the property qualifies as heirs' property.

The bill also includes provisions that prevent non-heir cotenants with less than 50% interest in heirs' property from initiating partition actions for ten years after acquiring their interest. It grants heir cotenants a right of first refusal when a cotenant intends to sell their interest to a non-heir cotenant, ensuring that those residing on the property have the opportunity to purchase it first. Furthermore, the bill mandates the creation of a standardized heir's bill of rights form by the Office of Court Administration to inform cotenant heirs of their rights and responsibilities. The provisions will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to partition actions commenced on or after that date.

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