TX HB1261

Unclaimed personal property seized by peace officers that remains unclaimed for 30 days must be delivered to a municipal designee or county purchasing agent for disposition, excluding contraband subject to forfeiture and alcoholic beverages

Authorities may now notify property owners by posting a one-time notice on the law enforcement agency's website and social media accounts as an alternative to certified mail

Property valued at $500 or more with unknown owners requires public notice through newspaper publication or posting on the agency's website and social media at least 14 days before sale

Property valued under $500 with unknown owners may be sold or donated without prior publication, with any sale proceeds deposited in the municipal or county treasury after expenses

Owners have 90 days from the date of notice to claim property before it is disposed of, with proceeds going to the municipality or county treasury

Effective date is September 1, 2025, applying only to property seized on or after that date