David Hornberger, in His Official Capacity, Ryan Anderson, in His Official Capacity, Brian Hamilton, in His Official Capacity, Bonnie Giddens, in Her Official Capacity, Lisa Krenger, in Her Official Capacity, Perry Shankle, in His Official Capacity, Stacy Sharp, in Her Official Capacity, Dr. Dana Bashara, in Her Official Capacity, and Alamo Heights Independent School District v. Selina Jones, Roy Hummel and Leslie Michelle Pruitt
This case concerns an appeal regarding governmental immunity and the applicability of Chapter 21 of the Texas Property Code to a property acquisition not involving eminent domain. The Alamo Heights Independent School District (AHISD) purchased an apartment complex, displacing its tenants, who subsequently sued AHISD and its officials for relocation assistance under Texas Property Code Sections 21.043 and 21.046. The Residents asserted ultra vires claims, arguing that AHISD officials failed to perform ministerial duties. The trial court denied AHISD’s jurisdictional challenge and granted partial summary judgment to the Residents. On interlocutory appeal, the Eighth District of Texas Court of Appeals reversed, holding that Chapter 21, which governs eminent domain proceedings, does not apply to properties acquired through an arm’s length purchase. Therefore, the court concluded that AHISD’s governmental immunity was not waived, and the trial court lacked subject matter jurisdiction over the Residents' claims, leading to the dismissal of the case.