AUSTIN — Yesterday, legislation strengthening Texas' commitment to private property rights passed to engrossment in the Senate. Filed as Senate Bill 474, this bill knocks down one of the largest cost barriers standing between landowners and their right to receive adequate compensation by requiring condemning entities to reimburse court costs and attorney's fees incurred whenever the entity undervalues property by twenty percent or more lower than the value as determined by the court. Senator Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) is the primary author and Senator Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) is a co-author of this private property rights legislation.

"Eminent domain reform is vitally important in protecting our private property rights and assuring our infrastructure needs are met in a manner that is fair to landowners," said Senator Creighton. "Landowners should never have to settle for an offer below their property's fair value."

"Senator Kolkhorst and I are deeply committed to ensure landowners are vindicated in their right to adequate compensation and equipped with the opportunity to enforce those rights in open court," Senator Creighton continued.

Senate Bill 474 is strongly supported by Texas and Southern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Farm Bureau, and the Texas Wildlife Association.

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