Special to The Leader

AUSTIN — The Texas Comptroller’s office today launched a statewide online eminent domain database. This publicly available tool will show which governmental and non-governmental entities have reported to the Comptroller their authority to exercise eminent domain.

“This is clearly an area in which transparency is absolutely essential,” Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said. “Knowing who can use eminent domain is the first step to ensuring that this potentially oppressive power is used wisely.”

The database was created to comply with Senate Bill 1812, approved during the 2015 legislative session. The bill requires public and private entities with eminent domain authority to report certain information to the Comptroller’s office.

The database contains 5,042 entities, including cities, counties, school districts, special purpose districts, pipeline and energy companies, water supply corporations, telecommunications companies and other public and private entities.

The database includes each entity’s name and contact information and reported eminent domain information, including:

• the date upon which the entity claims to have been authorized to exercise eminent domain authority;
• whether the entity filed a condemnation petition in calendar 2015;
• the projects or purposes for which the entity holds eminent domain authority; and
• the provisions of the law granting that authority.

For more information, go to the Comptroller’s online eminent domain database.