HB 271
From the 80(R) Session
Gonzales
Was this House a Meth Lab?
Introduced: Effective on 1/1/08
TAGS: real estate, housing, drugs, meth
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Updated by jeweke on Feb 28, 2007 9:21:56

Summary

Requires sellers to notify purchasers if a home was previously used to house the manufacture of Methamphetamine. It does not require notice to renters or buyers of titled mobile homes.

Background

The production of Methamphetamine produces toxic chemicals which can remain in the building after the production has ended. These chemicals have been linked to cancer; damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidneys; and birth defects and miscarriages /1/. A investigative news team in Austin identified families living in ex-meth labs who did not know the status of their home./4/

Political Context

14 states (Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota and Washington) require property owners to disclose former methamphetamine production to potential buyers or tenants /2/

A similar bill in New Hampshire was opposed by the Association of Realtors /3/

Political Process

This bill was up in the Business and Industry committee on Tuesday, February 27th, 2007. Testimony can be seen here at minute 2. The Texas Association of Realtors testified in favor of this bill.

References and Commentary

/1/ Doligosa Felix Jr 'Family's world shaken by former meth lab' Rocky Mountain News February 20, 2006
/2/ Peterson, Kavan 'Buyer beware of toxic meth-lab homes' Stateline.org October 6, 2006
/3/ Love. Norma 'Bills target meth in N.H.' Portsmouth Herald 1/27/2006
/4/KXAN Austin "Home Sick: Could Your House Be A Former Meth Lab?" 2/15/07

BillHop Texas Affordable Housing Note on the Ex-Meth Lab bill.
previous Version No. 10 next
Updated by jeweke on Feb 28, 2007 9:13:17
This is an older version of this article.

Summary

Requires sellers to notify purchasers if a home was previously used to house the manufacture of Methamphetamine. It does not require notice to renters or buyers of titled mobile homes.

Background

The production of Methamphetamine produces toxic chemicals which can remain in the building after the production has ended. These chemicals have been linked to cancer; damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidneys; and birth defects and miscarriages /1/. A investigative news team in Austin identified families living in ex-meth labs who did not know the status of their home./4/

Political Context

14 states (Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota and Washington) require property owners to disclose former methamphetamine production to potential buyers or tenants /2/

A similar bill in New Hampshire was opposed by the Association of Realtors /3/

Political Process

This bill was up in the Business and Industry committee on Tuesday, February 27th, 2007. Testimony can be seen here at minute 2. The Realtors testified in favor of it.

References and Commentary

/1/ Doligosa Felix Jr 'Family's world shaken by former meth lab' Rocky Mountain News February 20, 2006
/2/ Peterson, Kavan 'Buyer beware of toxic meth-lab homes' Stateline.org October 6, 2006
/3/ Love. Norma 'Bills target meth in N.H.' Portsmouth Herald 1/27/2006
/4/KXAN Austin "Home Sick: Could Your House Be A Former Meth Lab?" 2/15/07

BillHop Texas Affordable Housing Note on the Ex-Meth Lab bill.
previous Version No. 9 next
Updated by jeweke on Feb 28, 2007 9:09:48
This is an older version of this article.

Summary

Requires sellers to notify purchasers if a home was previously used to house the manufacture of Methamphetamine. It does not require notice to renters or buyers of titled mobile homes.

Background

The production of Methamphetamine produces toxic chemicals which can remain in the building after the production has ended. These chemicals have been linked to cancer; damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidneys; and birth defects and miscarriages /1/. A investigative news team in Austin identified families living in ex-meth labs who did not know the status of their home./4/

Political Context

14 states (Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota and Washington) require property owners to disclose former methamphetamine production to potential buyers or tenants /2/

A similar bill in New Hampshire was opposed by the Association of Realtors /3/

Political Process

This bill was up in the Business and Industry committee on Tuesday, February 27th, 2007. Testimony can be seen here at minute 2.

References and Commentary

/1/ Doligosa Felix Jr 'Family's world shaken by former meth lab' Rocky Mountain News February 20, 2006
/2/ Peterson, Kavan 'Buyer beware of toxic meth-lab homes' Stateline.org October 6, 2006
/3/ Love. Norma 'Bills target meth in N.H.' Portsmouth Herald 1/27/2006
/4/KXAN Austin "Home Sick: Could Your House Be A Former Meth Lab?" 2/15/07

BillHop Texas Affordable Housing Note on the Ex-Meth Lab bill.
previous Version No. 8 next
Updated by jeweke on Feb 26, 2007 6:28:01
This is an older version of this article.

Summary

Requires sellers to notify purchasers if a home was previously used to house the manufacture of Methamphetamine. It does not require notice to renters or buyers of titled mobile homes.

Background

The production of Methamphetamine produces toxic chemicals which can remain in the building after the production has ended. These chemicals have been linked to cancer; damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidneys; and birth defects and miscarriages /1/. A investigative news team in Austin identified families living in ex-meth labs who did not know the status of their home./4/

Political Context

14 states (Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota and Washington) require property owners to disclose former methamphetamine production to potential buyers or tenants /2/

A similar bill in New Hampshire was opposed by the Association of Realtors /3/

Political Process

This bill is up in the Business and Industry committee on Tuesday, February 27th, 2007.

References and Commentary

/1/ Doligosa Felix Jr 'Family's world shaken by former meth lab' Rocky Mountain News February 20, 2006
/2/ Peterson, Kavan 'Buyer beware of toxic meth-lab homes' Stateline.org October 6, 2006
/3/ Love. Norma 'Bills target meth in N.H.' Portsmouth Herald 1/27/2006
/4/KXAN Austin "Home Sick: Could Your House Be A Former Meth Lab?" 2/15/07

BillHop Texas Affordable Housing Note on the Ex-Meth Lab bill.
previous Version No. 7 next
Updated by jeweke on Feb 16, 2007 6:19:23
This is an older version of this article.

Summary

Requires sellers to notify purchasers if a home was previously used to house the manufacture of Methamphetamine. It does not require notice to renters or buyers of titled mobile homes.

Background

The production of Methamphetamine produces toxic chemicals which can remain in the building after the production has ended. These chemicals have been linked to cancer; damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidneys; and birth defects and miscarriages /1/. A investigative news team in Austin identified families living in ex-meth labs who did not know the status of their home./4/

Political Context

14 states (Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota and Washington) require property owners to disclose former methamphetamine production to potential buyers or tenants /2/

A similar bill in New Hampshire was opposed by the Association of Realtors /3/

References and Commentary

/1/ Doligosa Felix Jr 'Family's world shaken by former meth lab' Rocky Mountain News February 20, 2006
/2/ Peterson, Kavan 'Buyer beware of toxic meth-lab homes' Stateline.org October 6, 2006
/3/ Love. Norma 'Bills target meth in N.H.' Portsmouth Herald 1/27/2006
/4/KXAN Austin "Home Sick: Could Your House Be A Former Meth Lab?" 2/15/07

BillHop Texas Affordable Housing Note on the Ex-Meth Lab bill.
previous Version No. 6 next
Updated by jeweke on Jan 9, 2007 14:57:44
This is an older version of this article.

Summary

Requires sellers to notify purchasers if a home was previously used to house the manufacture of Methamphetamine. It does not require notice to renters.

Background

The production of Methamphetamine produces toxic chemicals which can remain in the building after the production has ended. These chemicals have been linked to cancer; damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidneys; and birth defects and miscarriages /1/

14 states (Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota and Washington) require property owners to disclose former methamphetamine production to potential buyers or tenants /2/

Political Context

A similar bill in New Hampshire was opposed by the Association of Realtors /3/

References and Commentary

/1/ Doligosa Felix Jr 'Family's world shaken by former meth lab' Rocky Mountain News February 20, 2006
/2/ Peterson, Kavan 'Buyer beware of toxic meth-lab homes' Stateline.org October 6, 2006
/3/ Love. Norma 'Bills target meth in N.H.' Portsmouth Herald 1/27/2006

BillHop Texas Affordable Housing Note on the Ex-Meth Lab bill.
previous Version No. 5 next
Updated by tombouctou on Dec 19, 2006 9:55:28
This is an older version of this article.

Summary

Requires sellers to notify purchasers if a home was previously used to house the manufacture of Methamphetamine. It does not require notice to renters.

Background

The production of Methamphetamine produces toxic chemicals which can remain in the building after the production has ended. These chemicals have been linked to cancer; damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidneys; and birth defects and miscarriages /1/

14 states (Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota and Washington) require property owners to disclose former methamphetamine production to potential buyers or tenants /2/

Political Context

A similar bill in New Hampshire was opposed by the Association of Realtors /3/

/1/ Doligosa Felix Jr 'Family's world shaken by former meth lab' Rocky Mountain News February 20, 2006
/2/ Peterson, Kavan 'Buyer beware of toxic meth-lab homes' Stateline.org October 6, 2006
/3/ Love. Norma 'Bills target meth in N.H.' Portsmouth Herald 1/27/2006
previous Version No. 4 next
Updated by tombouctou on Dec 19, 2006 8:57:01
This is an older version of this article.

Summary

Requires sellers to notify purchasers if a home was previously used to house the manufacture of Methamphetamine. It does not require notice to renters.

Background

The production of Methamphetamine produces toxic chemicals which can remain in the building after the production has ended. These chemicals have been linked to cancer; damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidneys; and birth defects and miscarriages /1/

14 states (Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota and Washington) require property owners to disclose former methamphetamine production to potential buyers or tenants /2/

Political Context

A similar bill in New Hampshire was opposed by the Association of Realtors /3/

/1/ Doligosa Felix Jr 'Family's world shaken by former meth lab' Rocky Mountain News February 20, 2006
/2/ Peterson, Kavan 'Buyer beware of toxic meth-lab homes' Stateline.org October 6, 2006
/3/ Love. Norma 'Bills target meth in N.H.' Portsmouth Herald 1/27/2006
previous Version No. 3 next
Updated by jeweke on Dec 19, 2006 7:50:32
This is an older version of this article.

Summary

Requires sellers to notify purchasers if a home was previously used to house the manufacture of Methamphetamine. It does not require notice to renters.

Background

The production of Methamphetamine produces toxic chemicals which can remain in the building after the production has ended. These chemicals have been linked to cancer; damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidneys; and birth defects and miscarriages /1/

14 states (Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota and Washington) require property owners to disclose former methamphetamine production to potential buyers or tenants /2/

Political Context

A similar bill in New Hampshire was opposed by the Association of Realtors /3/

/1/ Doligosa Felix Jr 'Family's world shaken by former meth lab' Rocky Mountain News February 20, 2006
/2/ Peterson, Kavan 'Buyer beware of toxic meth-lab homes' Stateline.org October 6, 2006
/3/ Love. Norma 'Bills target meth in N.H.' Portsmouth Herald 1/27/2006
previous Version No. 2 next
Updated by jeweke on Dec 19, 2006 7:49:36
This is an older version of this article.

Summary

Requires sellers to notify purchasers if a home was previously used to house the manufacture of Methamphetamine

Background

The production of Methamphetamine produces toxic chemicals which can remain in the building after the production has ended. These chemicals have been linked to cancer; damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidneys; and birth defects and miscarriages /1/

14 states (Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota and Washington) require property owners to disclose former methamphetamine production to potential buyers or tenants /2/

Political Context

A similar bill in New Hampshire was opposed by the Association of Realtors /3/

/1/ Doligosa Felix Jr 'Family's world shaken by former meth lab' Rocky Mountain News February 20, 2006
/2/ Peterson, Kavan 'Buyer beware of toxic meth-lab homes' Stateline.org October 6, 2006
/3/ Love. Norma 'Bills target meth in N.H.' Portsmouth Herald 1/27/2006
previous Version No. 1 next
Updated by jeweke on Dec 19, 2006 7:34:43
This is an older version of this article.

Summary

Requires sellers to notify purchasers if a home was previously used to house the manufacture of Methamphetamine

Background

The production of Methamphetamine produces toxic chemicals which can remain in the building after the production has ended. These chemicals have been linked to cancer; damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidneys; and birth defects and miscarriages /1/

14 states (Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota and Washington) require property owners to disclose former methamphetamine production to potential buyers or tenants /2/

Political Context

A similar bill in New Hampshire was opposed by the Association of Realtors /3/

/1/ Doligosa Felix Jr 'Family's world shaken by former meth lab' Rocky Mountain News February 20, 2006
/2/ Peterson, Kavan 'Buyer beware of toxic meth-lab homes' Stateline.org October 6, 2006
/3/ Love. Norma 'Bills target meth in N.H.' Portsmouth Herald 1/27/2006



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Arguments against HB 271
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Renters
by jeweke on Dec 19, 2006 7:41:46
Unlike the legislation in other states, this bill does not require notice to renters, just purchasers. Anyone have insight on whether renters are already covered somewhere else, or is an area for a likely amendment?
disclosure should be required!!!!
by caroday on Dec 30, 2006 14:09:45
Family friend's of mine moved out to Oregon about 15 years ago - the parents and their 2 small children mysteriously became very sick. Later, a real estate agent revealed that the home was a former meth lab and the property was contaminated (disclosure was required by law later). The family sold their property at a loss (with full disclosure) and moved back to Texas. The family did recover, though it is unknown what permanent damage may have been done.
A Good Start
by PeggyO on Jan 9, 2007 13:25:42
Requiring sellers to notify buyers is a good start. The bill should include disclosure to renters, too. Lawmakers may be concerned that landlords will be unaware of whether one of their properties was used as a meth lab. However, if they are aware, there is no reason they should be allowed to withhold that information.
by MEGABITE on Feb 26, 2007 8:56:10
They should just add the question of whether or not the house had ever been a meth lab to the list of things sellers are required to disclose to buyers on the house selling contract. Simple fix.
Disclosure form
by jeweke on Feb 28, 2007 9:06:00
Thats what this bill does, but that doesn't solve this problem for renters or buyers of titled mobile homes. If they are going to pass a bill to fix a problem, they should fix the whole problem, not just part of it.

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