Capitol Research Services of Texas > Reports

Texas Right to Farm Act

  • Senate Bill 488 (1981)
  • Chapter 251, Texas Agriculture Code
  • Report: 73 pages
  • Transcripts: pages
  • Other Documents: pages
  • Fee: $295

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Abstract

In 1981, the 67th Texas Legislature passed S.B. 488 which created the Texas Right To Farm Act. This act was numbered as Art. 165b-1, Texas Civil Statutes.

The Senate sponsor explained that this bill is necessary to prevent urbanization from encroaching on agricultural land.

The House Study Group analysis summarized S.B. 488 by stating:

Digest

SB 488 would ban nuisance suits against agricultural operations that have existed without substantial change for at least one year. Suits to enforce state law would still be allowed, as would suits for damages resulting from actions that violated a law or government regulation.

The bill would also prevent cities from applying zoning or other regulations to farmland annexed after the effective date of the act, except for certain purposes related to public health and safety.

Later that session, the Right to Farm Act was transferred to Chapter 251 of the Agriculture Code. The Act was amended in 1995 and 1997.

Exhibits

1981
1. Tex. S.B. 488, 67th Leg., R.S., Master Bill History Report (1981)

2. Tex. S.B. 488, As Introduced, 67th Leg., R.S. (1981)

3. Tex. S.B. 488, Senate Committee Report, 67th Leg., R.S. (1981)

4. Tex. S.B. 488, House Committee Report, 67th Leg., R.S. (1981)

5. Tex. H.B. 1600, 67th Leg., R.S., Master Bill History Report (1981)

6. Tex. H.B. 1600, As Introduced, 67th Leg., R.S. (1981)

7. Capitol Research Services, Hearings on S.B. 488 Before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, 67th Leg. R.S. (April 1, 1981)

8. Capitol Research Services, Hearings on S.B. 488 Before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, 67th Leg. R.S. (April 8, 1981)

9. Capitol Research Services, Debate on S.B. 488 On the Floor of the Senate (Second and Third Readings), 67th Leg. R.S. (April 16, 1981)

10. Capitol Research Services, Hearings on H.B. 1600 Before the House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock, 67th Leg. R.S. (March 30, 1981)

11. Capitol Research Services, Hearings on S.B. 488 Before the House Committee on Agriculture and Livestock, 67th Leg. R.S. (April 23, 1981)

12. S.J. of Tex., 67th Leg., R.S. 925-926 (1981)

13. House Study Group, S.B. 488 Bill Analysis (May 1, 1981)

14. H.J. of Tex., 67th Leg., R.S. 2054, 2107, 2132 (1981)

15. Act of May 13, 1981, 67th Leg., R.S., ch. 124, 1981 Tex. Gen. Laws, 313

16. Act of June 16, 1981, 67th Leg., R.S., ch. 693, 1981 Tex. Gen. Laws, 2589 (excerpt)

1995
17. Act of June 9, 1995, 74th Leg., R.S., ch. 450, 1995 Tex. Gen. Laws, 3153

1997
18. Act of May 26, 1997, 75th Leg., R.S., ch. 332, 1997 Tex. Gen. Laws, 1421

19. Vernon's Ann. Ag. Code, ch. 251 (Vernon 1982 and Supp. 2000)