Governor Abbott Vetoes HB 1406 (85R)
Pursuant to Article IV, Section 14, of the Texas Constitution, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby disapprove of and veto House Bill No. 1406 as passed by the Eighty-Fifth Texas Legislature, Regular Session, because of the following objections:
Current law gives political subdivisions like cities and counties a preference over private buyers when the General Land Office sells land owned by the State. This practice might be justified in rare cases when there are compelling reasons to ensure that State land continues to benefit the public. In general, however, when selling land the State should seek the best financial terms for the taxpayers. Existing law’s preference for political subdivisions is already questionable. House Bill 1406 sought to expand this questionable preference to Indian tribes, which are not political subdivisions of the State.
Since the Eighty-Fifth Texas Legislature, Regular Session, by its adjournment has prevented the return of this bill, I am filing these objections in the office of the Secretary of State and giving notice thereof by this public proclamation according to the aforementioned constitutional provision.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have signed my name officially and caused the Seal of the State to be affixed hereto at Austin, this 15th day of June, 2017.
GREG ABBOTT
Governor