Texas Wildlife Association is very thankful to Senator Lois Kolkhorst (R – Brenham) for her leadership and long-term efforts to reform eminent domain statutes in Texas. This Session, Sen. Kolkhorst filed SB 421 to introduce fundamental transparency and basic protections for landowners facing condemnation by private for-profit companies. TWA worked with other stakeholders and legislators throughout the entire Session to find a workable compromise that improved fairness for landowners while minimizing interruption to the condemnor.
The Senate passed SB 421 in a form that did just that. Stakeholders continued negotiations in the House for weeks. Unfortunately, the final House version authored by Chairman Tom Craddick (R- Midland) drastically diluted reform language and actually made things even worse for landowners than today by accelerating condemnation hearings. Sen. Kolkhorst rightly did not accept that bill language and fought to the very end to restore meaningful compromise language.
“It is disappointing that something as Texan as property rights has such a tough fight in our Legislature. We are grateful for our friends at the Capitol and promise to continue standing up for landowners until eminent domain reform is achieved” said TWA President J. David Anderson.
Formed in 1985 by a group of landowners, hunters, ranchers and wildlife managers, Texas Wildlife Association serves Texas wildlife, and its habitat, while protecting property rights, hunting heritage, and the conservation efforts of those who value and steward wildlife resources.