Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of Texas eminent domain laws. It is a brief list of the most significant statutory provisions relating to eminent domain, intended to give researchers a good place to start. For a more complete list, go to the Texas Statutes Online and search for "eminent domain" or "condemnation".
Texas Constitution Article I, § 17 - Taking, Damaging, or Destroying Property for Public Use
Texas Constitution Article III, § 52j - Sale of Real Property Acquired Through Eminent Domain
Texas Education Code § 11.155 - Eminent Domain
Texas Government Code § 402.031 - Preparation of Landowner's Bill of Rights Statement
Texas Government Code ch. 2007 - Governmental Action Affecting Private Property Rights
Texas Government Code ch. 2206 - Eminent Domain
Texas Local Government Code ch. 251 - Municipal Right of Eminent Domain
Texas Local Government Code § 253.012 - Conveyance to Economic Development Corporation by Certain Municipalities
Texas Local Government Code ch. 261 - County Right of Eminent Domain
Texas Natural Resources Code ch. 11 - Provisions Generally Applicable to the Public Domain
Texas Natural Resources Code §§ 111.019-111.0194 - Common Carriers, Public Utilities, and Common Purchasers
Texas Natural Resources Code ch. 183 - Conservation Easements
Texas Property Code ch. 21 - Eminent Domain
Texas Special District Local Laws Code - most special districts have some sort of eminent domain authority. Their enabling acts are collected in this code.
Texas Special District Local Laws Code §§ 1.004-1.005 – Limitation on Exercise of Eminent Domain Power
Texas Transportation Code §§ 112.001-112.061 – Powers and Duties of Railroads
Texas Transportation Code ch. 224, subch. A - Acquisition Generally
Texas Transportation Code § 362.105 - Use of Eminent Domain by Toll Road Corporation
Texas Utilities Code § 181.004 - Condemnation of Property
Texas Water Code § 1.005 - Limitation on Exercise of Eminent Domain Power
Texas Water Code § 11.033 - Eminent Domain
Below are a few of the most important eminent domain bills considered by the Texas Legislature. This is not a complete list of all eminent domain bills that have been passed or considered. For further research, visit the Texas Legislature Online's website and search for bills on "eminent domain".
Senate Bill 1812, 84th Regular Session (2015) - Relating to transparency in the reporting and public availability of information regarding eminent domain authority; providing a civil penalty
Senate Bill 655, 83rd Regular Session (2013) - Relating to the exercise of the power of eminent domain by certain authorized entities
Senate Bill 18, 82nd Regular Session (2011) - Relating to the use of eminent domain authority
House Bill 1495, 80th Regular Session (2007) - Relating to a bill of rights for property owners whose property may be acquired by governmental or private entities through the use of eminent domain authority
House Bill 2006, 80th Regular Session (2007) - Relating to the use of eminent domain authority
Senate Bill 7, 79th 2nd Called Session (2005) - Relating to limits on the use of the power of eminent domain
Senate Bill 390, 74th Regular Session (1995) - Relating to the disclosure of property valuation information to the owner of property to be acquired for public use