The bill 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 commissioner must also include this assessment in their report to the governor. The bill removes previous language that required the TDHCA to evaluate properties identified as underused for affordable housing suitability, streamlining the process by focusing on assessments rather than evaluations. 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)