Bill

Bill > SB542


TX SB542

TX SB542
Relating to the authority of a property owners' association to assess a fine for discolored vegetation or turf during a period of residential watering restriction.


summary

Introduced
12/06/2024
In Committee
02/03/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/02/2025

Introduced Session

89th Legislature Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT relating to the authority of a property owners' association to assess a fine for discolored vegetation or turf during a period of residential watering restriction.

AI Summary

This bill amends the Texas Property Code to prevent property owners' associations (HOAs) from fining homeowners for having discolored or brown vegetation during periods of residential water restrictions. The bill defines a "residential watering restriction" as a temporary limitation on water use for irrigating residential landscaping, mandated by a municipality, water utility, or water supplier during a drought. Specifically, HOAs cannot assess fines against property owners for violating covenants that require green vegetation or prohibit brown/discolored turf when: 1) the property is subject to water use restrictions that could reasonably cause vegetation discoloration, and 2) for a reasonable time after those water restrictions are lifted. This legislation aims to protect homeowners from potential financial penalties during drought conditions when maintaining green landscaping is challenging due to limited water availability. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Left pending in committee (on 03/18/2025)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...