S.B. No. 1579 introduces a new subchapter to the Local Government Code aimed at providing municipalities in counties with populations over 500,000 and adjacent to an international border with a framework to manage abandoned, unoccupied, and tax-delinquent parcels of land. The bill allows these municipalities to implement an expedited administrative process to classify parcels as abandoned and tax-delinquent based on specific criteria, such as being undeveloped for 25 years, having an assessed value of less than $1,000, and owing delinquent taxes for at least five out of the last ten years. It also outlines procedures for public hearings, notifications to landowners and lienholders, and judicial review of municipal determinations.

The legislation further details the authority and responsibilities of court-appointed receivers who will manage these properties, including taking control, making repairs, aggregating parcels, and selling the land. It mandates that receivers be sworn in and provides for the appointment of successors in case of incapacitation. The bill specifies the sale process for properties under receivership, requiring public notice in both English and Spanish, and allows for various methods of sale while ensuring transparency. The sale price will serve as conclusive evidence of the property's fair market value, and all funds received must be deposited as directed by the court. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()
Senate Committee Report: ()
Engrossed: ()
House Committee Report: ()
Enrolled: ()