The bill amends Section 263.152(a) of the Local Government Code to enhance the authority of county commissioners courts regarding the disposal of surplus and salvage property. It allows counties to donate such property to civic or charitable organizations located within the county, provided that the commissioners court determines the donation serves a public purpose and that the county retains sufficient control over the donation process to ensure the public purpose is achieved. Additionally, the bill removes the requirement that the county must first attempt to sell the property if it is likely that no bids will be received or if the bid price would be less than the county's expenses for the bidding process.

The bill also maintains the existing options for counties to sell surplus property through competitive bidding or auction, trade it in for new property, destroy it if deemed worthless, and transfer forfeited gambling equipment to the Texas Facilities Commission. The changes aim to streamline the process for counties to support local civic and charitable organizations while ensuring that the public interest is served. The act will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 263.152 (Local Government Code 263)
House Committee Report: Local Government Code 263.152 (Local Government Code 263)
Engrossed: Local Government Code 263.152 (Local Government Code 263)