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. Notably, 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 this purpose is met. Additionally, the bill removes the previous requirement that the county must first attempt to sell the property and find that no bids are likely to be received or that the bid price would be less than the county's expenses for the bidding process.

The bill also includes provisions for the county to periodically sell surplus property through competitive bidding or auction, with exceptions for sales to other counties or political subdivisions. Other disposal options include trade-ins for new property, destruction of worthless property, and the transfer of forfeited gambling equipment to the Texas Facilities Commission. The act will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature or on September 1, 2025, if such a 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)