State immune from suit for mineral interest relating back to Spanish land grant
Galan Family Trust v. State of Texas, et al, 03-15-00816-CV (Tex.App— Austin, February 24, 2017)
This is an inverse-condemnation/trespass-to-try-title case where the Austin Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal of the Plaintiff’s claims.
The Galan Family Trust (“Trust” or “Plaintiff”) sued the State of Texas for mineral interests the Trust asserts they own due to a 1767 Spanish land grant. A patent in favor of the Galan heirs was issued in 1852 by the Texas Legislature, but the patent was cancelled by the State of Texas in 1874. In this context, “patent” is an instrument by which the State conveys land to a private person. The State filed a plea to the jurisdiction and a Rule 91a motion to dismiss, asserting that the State is immune to trespass-to-try-title claims and, further, that the Trust’s claims are barred by limitations. The trial court dismissed the Trust’s suit and the Trust appealed.
The court first reaffirmed long-standing case law that governmental entities are immune from trespass-to-try-title claims. Additionally, while individual officials in their official capacities may not be immune from trespass-to-try-title claims, the Trust’s pleadings negate the right of possession. This right is necessary to establish a trespass-to-try-title claim against an official. Once the State canceled the patent, the State became the titleholder. Further, the Trust did not sue for a takings claim until more than 140 years after the cancellation. This delay in filing far exceeds the ten-year limitations period established for takings claims. The State was only required to establish when the cause of action accrued to establish limitations, not to provide uncontroverted evidence of every element of the defense. Given the elements for the statute of limitations defense are contained within the pleadings. And, when taken as true for purposes of the Rule 91a motion, the State established it is entitled to dismissal. The trial court’s order is affirmed.
If you would like to read this opinion click here. The Panel includes Chief Justice Rose, Justice Goodwin, and Justice Bourland. Chief Justice delivered the opinion of the court. To see the Representatives for the Appellant and Appellees click here.
