Property Rights in Texas: Heading in the Right Direction

October 19, 2011

Several recent Texas Supreme Court decisions and legislative actions are helping restore constitutionally-protected property rights to their proper place in law.

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Michael Petrick v. City of Austin

Date Filed: July 27, 2026 Original Court: Western District of Texas, Austin Division Case Status: Active Litigation Case Summary: In August 2025, Michael Petrick purchased a home on a 0.28-acre lot in Austin, Texas, in preparation for the birth of his first child. The property contained three overgrown trees. One tree was splitting and posed...

July 27, 2026

Taxes & Spending

Just the Facts: Local Government Spending

Despite billions in property tax relief provided by recent state legislatures, Texans’ property tax bills continue to increase due to unrestricted spending at the local level. Key points: City and county government spending continues to outstrip increases in both population and inflation. While the state government has constitutional and statutory spending limits, local governments do...

August 10, 2026

Property Rights

Restoring Private Property Rights: Regulatory Takings

Municipal regulations like zoning ordinances can infringe on private property rights and distort the housing market. Key points: Private property rights are under threat from municipal zoning ordinances and design mandates. Texas law has failed to adequately protect property owners from regulatory takings. By closing the municipal loophole, Texas can be the national leader in...

April 6, 2026

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Michael Petrick v. City of Austin

Just the Facts: Local Government Spending

Restoring Private Property Rights: Regulatory Takings