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 recommendations for the use of such properties include an analysis of potential commercial, residential, or agricultural leases. Additionally, when considering residential leases, the division must solicit a basic assessment from TDHCA to determine the suitability of the property for affordable housing development. TDHCA is mandated to provide this assessment within 60 days of the request, and the findings must be included in the division's report.

Further amendments specify that before the commissioner recommends any real estate transaction to the governor, a similar assessment from TDHCA is required. The bill also streamlines the notification process for state agencies regarding the commissioner's recommendations, removing the requirement for TDHCA to be notified of the recommendation. This change aims to clarify the roles of the involved agencies and ensure that affordable housing considerations are integrated into the decision-making process for state-owned properties. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

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