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SB 141

Relating to the authority of a municipality or a property owners' association to regulate the raising or keeping of chickens.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Bob Hall

SB 141 would prohibit Texas municipalities and HOAs from banning or excessively regulating residential chicken-keeping, prioritizing property rights over local zoning control.

Referred to Local Government
#agriculture(i0020) #animals(i0035) #citygovernment--landuse&zoning(i0064) #propertyinterests--propertyownersassociation(i0618)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 141

Legislative bill overview

SB 141 would limit the authority of municipalities and property owners' associations to restrict or prohibit residents from raising and keeping chickens on their properties. The bill appears to establish a homeowner's right to keep chickens despite local regulations or HOA rules that currently ban or heavily regulate the practice.

Why is this important

This bill addresses the tension between local zoning authority and individual property rights, particularly as urban and suburban chicken-keeping has grown in popularity for food production and sustainability reasons. The outcome will determine whether Texas residents can pursue backyard agriculture regardless of where they live or what their HOA bylaws state.

Potential points of contention

  • Local control vs. property rights: Cities and counties argue zoning regulations exist for public health, safety, and nuisance prevention; proponents counter that chickens are low-impact and individuals should decide their land use
  • HOA enforcement: Property owners' associations contend that restricting chickens protects property values and neighborhood aesthetics; residents argue HOA rules shouldn't override state law enabling agricultural activities
  • Regulatory gaps: Unclear how the bill handles legitimate concerns like disease, predator management, noise complaints, and sanitation standards that municipalities currently use to regulate backyard poultry

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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