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. The TDHCA is required to submit this assessment within 60 days of the request.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the process by which the commissioner recommends real estate transactions to the governor. It stipulates that the commissioner must also seek a basic assessment from TDHCA regarding the property's suitability for affordable housing before making a recommendation. The bill includes provisions for the inclusion of this assessment in the commissioner's report to the governor. Notably, it removes previous requirements for the TDHCA to evaluate properties identified as underused for affordable housing and to submit comments on such properties to the governor. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses 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)