The bill, S.B. No. 1510, amends the Natural Resources Code to enhance the review process of state-owned real property by the General Land Office and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). It requires that the division's recommendations include an analysis of the highest and best use of the property, specifically addressing potential commercial, residential, or agricultural leases. Additionally, the bill mandates that the division solicit a basic assessment from TDHCA regarding the suitability of the property for affordable housing before making recommendations to the governor. TDHCA is required to submit this assessment within 60 days of the request, and the division must include it in their report.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the process by which the commissioner recommends real estate transactions to the governor. It requires the commissioner to obtain a basic assessment from TDHCA regarding the suitability of the property for affordable housing before making a recommendation. The bill also removes certain provisions that previously required TDHCA to evaluate properties identified as underused for affordable housing and submit comments to the governor. The changes aim to streamline the process and ensure that affordable housing considerations are integrated into the decision-making for state-owned real estate transactions. The bill will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Natural Resources Code 31.156, Natural Resources Code 31.1571 (Natural Resources Code 31)