Senate modernizes notice rules for law‑enforcement custody of unclaimed property
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Summary
House Bill 12 61 allows law enforcement agencies to post notices of seized or unclaimed property on the internet and social media instead of requiring publication in a paper of general circulation; the Senate passed the measure unanimously.
The Texas Senate passed House Bill 12 61 to update how local law enforcement agencies provide public notice of seized or unclaimed property.
Senator Flores moved the suspension of the regular order to bring forward House Bill 12 61 and told the chamber that current law requires in‑paper publication when newspapers were the primary distribution method; HB 12 61 would allow agencies to post notices online and on social‑networking sites used by the agency. Flores said the bill responds to concerns about both the cost of publishing notices in newspapers and the cost of maintaining holding facilities for unclaimed property.
Supporters described the change as a modernization to reflect "most people view the news on their phones and on the Internet." The bill advanced through second and third readings under suspension and passed final reading with a roll call of 31 ayes and 0 nays.
The decision: the Senate recorded final passage with no objections on the floor; the measure will proceed to enrollment for the governor.