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Senate Bill 18 Compliance

Eminent Domain

A power possessed by the state to claim private property within the state, in exchange for fair and reasonable compensation, for public use, safety and, in some cases, economic development. Public uses include the running of power, water, gas or utility lines.

Texas eminent domain statutes are outlined in Chapter 21 of the Texas Property Code

Documentation of Eminent Domain Authority

Senate Bill 18, enacted by the 82nd Legislature, requires all public and private entities authorized to exercise the power of eminent domain in Texas to submit a letter to the Comptroller of Public Accounts (via certified mail) detailing their legal authority to exercise this power.

Who this affects:
All entities (public and private) authorized to exercise the power of eminent domain in Texas.

Steps to Take

  1. Complete the Comptroller form: Required Documentation of Eminent Domain Authority in Texas (PDF)
  2. Mail the completed form via certified mail to the address provided on the form. This will serve as your certified letter to meet the requirements of the bill. See Dates to Remember below for important information on deadlines.
  3. NEW! – Check the lists of documentation received for your application.

Dates to Remember

  • Dec. 31, 2012 — The form must be sent by certified, return receipt mail no later than Dec. 31, 2012, to the following address:
    Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
    Post Office Box 13942
    Austin, Texas 78711
  • Sept. 1, 2013 — An entity's eminent domain authority expires on this date unless the form has been submitted by the Dec. 31, 2012, deadline.

Contact Us

For more information, e-mail us at sb18compliance@cpa.state.tx.us

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