By Julie Tomascik
Editor

Landowners of agricultural property along the Texas-Mexico border facing land and property damage from border-related crimes now have a compensation program available to them.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton this month opened the Landowner Compensation Program, which was passed in the regular legislative session last year.

Landowners have 90 days after an incident to file a claim and provide a written police report that documents the damage caused by migrants, smugglers or drug traffickers. Landowners are also encouraged to maintain all documentation of proof that property damage was sustained and the proof and cost of repairs, if made.

“This program will provide needed relief to Texans whose property is damaged by foreign aliens waved into the country by the federal government,” Paxton said in a statement. “I am glad to help the farmers and ranchers on our borderlands who bear the costs of Biden’s destructive policies.”

Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) supported the legislation, SB 1133, to create the program. The bill appropriated $18 million in state money for the fund for this year and next year.

“Property damage caused by migrants illegally crossing the border through private property has been an ongoing problem for decades, and the traffic and damage has only increased in recent years,” Regan Beck, TFB director of Government Affairs, said. “This bill provides farmers and ranchers in border and rural counties relief from the damages caused by trafficking, smuggling and bailouts that occur on their personal property.”

Landowners can apply online at texasattorneygeneral.gov. Correspondence with program administrators will be via email, according to the attorney general’s office.

Landowners with property damage can be reimbursed up to $75,000 for repair costs for items such as a barn or fence not covered by other sources.

A 90-day grace period is being extended for those who suffered damage between Sept. 1, 2023, and May 6, 2024, after the implementation date of the program.

If multiple incidents occur on the same day, a separate application must be filed for each incident.

If an application is denied, the landowner has 30 days to appeal the decision.

Land and property damage that occurred prior to Sept. 1, 2023, the date SB 1133 went into effect, is not eligible for reimbursement through the program.

The attorney general’s office will continue to roll out details on the steps and processes for filing a claim for compensation.

Details and forms for the reporting process—including frequently asked questions, fair market price breakdown and a direct deposit form to download—are available online at texasattorneygeneral.gov.

For more information or questions about the program, landowners can contact landowner.compensation@oag.texas.gov.