Author Archives: tiffany.dowell

New Water Disclosure Form Important for Landowners Buying or Selling Property

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As of July 2026, the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) adopted a new form requiring disclosure of certain water information in many land sales transactions.  This is a significant change, and it is critical issue of which landowners, potential  land purchasers, real estate agents, and attorneys must be aware. This development highlights something we have discussed on this blog many times: water can be one of the most valuable and complicated assets associated with Texas land. What Is It? TREC’s new Seller’s Disclosure about Groundwater and Surface Water… Read More →

Basics of Texas Water Law

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I recently did a presentation for a great webinar series called Water Wednesdays, hosted by John O’Connell, a Coastal and Marine County Extension Agent. We did a basic overview of Texas water laws–certainly a hot topic around the state right now! You can watch the recording of the presentation. Additionally, we do have a handbook chapter on Texas Water Law available in our Owning Your Piece of Texas handbook.   We also have a podcast water law playlist.

September Monthly Round Up

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The ag law news continues to keep us busy during the month of September! * State of Texas takes action on data center projects.  Over the past couple of weeks, there have been a couple of major developments regarding the State of Texas and data centers. In August, Governor Abbott ordered the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to audit all data centers undergoing ERCOT’s interconnection process to ensure that the data center development does not jeopardize the reliability of Texas’ electric… Read More →

Texas Appellate Court Rules on Vehicle-Versus-Cow Collision

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The Eastland Court of Appeals recently ruled in Surrento v. Cactus Growers, Inc., a vehicle-versus-cow case involving a number of defendants.  This case illustrates a number of important considerations when it comes to Texas fence law. Background Brianna Surrento was killed when her vehicle hit a cow on the highway near the Doss Ranch. The Doss Ranch is owned by the Doss Foundation.  At the time of the accident, the ranch was leased to Jackie Warren.  Warren had entered into a grazing lease agreement with Jeffrey Carlisle, who kept… Read More →

Deere Right to Repair Settlement Approved – What Does that Mean for You?

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John Deere recently settled a lawsuit brought by farmers who argued that John Deere improperly withheld certain repair tools needed to fix their large agricultural equipment like tractors and combines.  This “right to repair” settlement has important implications for farmers around the country who own Deere equipment and may provide compensation for certain repair costs incurred over the last several years. Background Farmers sued John Deere in Illinois federal court claiming the company restricted access to the software and digital tools required to diagnose and repair newer John… Read More →

August Monthly Round Up

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As the summer draws to a close and students head back to school, the ag law developments continue around the country! * Hearing date set for John Deere right to repair settlement; claims due December 31, 2026.  The $99 million settlement between John Deere and class members impacted by its right-to-repair practices has been set for a fairness hearing in January 2027.  Notifications will be sent to class members starting August 28, 2026.  Class members, who are expected to number over 200,000, include anyone who purchased repair services… Read More →

Texas Surviving Spouse Rights in Homestead Property

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How does Texas law treat a surviving spouse with regard to the homestead?  The Corpus Christi Court of Appeals addressed this issue in Murray v. Robinson. Background Christopher Murray and his wife, Florentina, owned 78 acres of land in Travis County, which they designated as their homestead.  Florentina died intestate (without a will) in 1997.  Christopher continued to live on the property and claimed it as his homestead.  The next year, Florentina’s only child from a prior marriage, Veronica Robinson, filed an affidavit of heirship asserting an interest in… Read More →

Court Considers Ranch Ownership Dispute Between Family Members

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In Hollis v. Hollis, the Texarkana Court of Appeals considered the question of who owned a ranch when mother and son disagreed. Background  This lawsuit involves an ownership dispute over a 304-acre ranch (“the Ranch”) in Titus County.  The Ranch was purchased in 1978 by Wayford and Reba Hollis, husband and wife.  According to their son, Robert, there was an oral agreement between Wayford and Robert that Wayford would purchase the Ranch, and Robert would stock it with his cattle, manage the operations, and repay Wayford with all proceeds from the cattle sales. Robert claimed their agreement… Read More →

Texas Supreme Court Rules on Right to Sue State to Repurchase Land Taken Through Eminent Domain

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The Texas Supreme Court recently issued an important decision in State of Texas v. JRJ Pusok Holdings, LLC, answering the question of whether a landowner may sue the State to repurchase property when a portion of the condemned property is no longer necessary for public use.    Background  Three landowners owned property in Tomball, Texas.  In October 2013, the State notified the landowners that it intended to acquire their property for a highway project.  As required by law, the State provided the landowners with a monetary offer of $496,120, the Landowner Bill of Rights, and a copy of the Texas Property Code Chapter 21,… Read More →

July Monthly Round Up

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July 2026 may be the most active month I remember when it comes to agricultural law news.  We have chosen some of the most important stories to include below. FTC and John Deere reach settlement in right to repair antitrust lawsuit. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), along with five states (AZ, IL, MI, MN, WI), have agreed to settle an antitrust lawsuit against John Deere.  The settlement will require John Deere to provide farmers and independent repair shops with the same equipment repair resources and software provided to… Read More →