The Texas Real Estate Commission’s Broker-Lawyer Committee (BLC) met June 9 to discuss legislative changes and other form comments. Here are some highlights from the meeting.  

Recognizing Outgoing Members 

The BLC recognized John (Bo) Blackburn, Charles Still, and Greg Glenn for their service to the BLC. All three members’ terms expire this year. The Commission will appoint two more broker members to fill the vacancies at the August 7 Commission meeting. The State Bar of Texas will appoint the attorney member. 

Legislative Changes 

The Committee discussed potential contract forms changes needed because of the 88th Texas Legislative Session.   

Seller’s Disclosure Notice 

HB 697 updates the Seller’s Disclosure Notice required under section 5.008, Texas Property Code. The bill adds language to the Seller's Disclosure Notice requiring a seller to disclose the type of gas fuel piping used in a home.   

The BLC recommended the Commission adopt the changes to the Seller’s Disclosure Notice (TREC OP-H). 

Notices by Water Districts 

HB 2816 replaces several different disclosure notices under Chapter 49, Texas Water Code, related to tax assessments made by water districts, with one single notice. The bill provides the language required for the notice and requires water districts to post their own notice online, if required by Tax Code to have a website.  

The BLC will review and discuss a draft notice form at its next meeting.  

Ownership of Underground Resources 

SB 785 states that landowners own any underground geothermal energy and associated resources. 

Because of this legislation, the BLC will consider the addition of the term “geothermal” to the list of examples in the Natural Resource Lease section of the contracts (Paragraph 4).  

What’s Next 

The changes to the Seller’s Disclosure Notice will be presented to the Commission at its August meeting. If adopted on an emergency basis, the notice would become effective September 1.  

Meeting Materials 

The Committee’s June agenda, minutes, meeting materials and video recording are posted online.  

The Committee meets again October 13 at 9 a.m.