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HB 517

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.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Salman Bhojani and 12 co-sponsors

Texas law now prohibits HOAs from fining homeowners for brown vegetation when municipal water restrictions prevent lawn watering, effective September 1, 2025.

Effective on 9/1/25
#environment--water(i0320) #propertyinterests--propertyownersassociation(i0618) #restrictivecovenants(s0299) #utilities--water&sewer(i0002) #water--conservation(i097l)
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Bill Summary · HB 517

Legislative bill overview

HB 517 prohibits property owners' associations (HOAs) from fining homeowners for having discolored or dead vegetation during periods when local water restrictions are in effect. The bill protects residents who comply with mandatory watering bans by preventing HOAs from enforcing landscaping aesthetic standards that conflict with those restrictions.

Why is this important

During droughts or water emergencies, municipalities impose watering restrictions to conserve water resources. Without this protection, homeowners faced a conflict between obeying water conservation orders and avoiding HOA fines for brown lawns. This bill resolves that conflict by shielding compliant residents from financial penalties, particularly important in water-stressed regions like Texas.

Potential points of contention

  • HOA authority limits: Property owners' associations argue they need enforcement tools to maintain property values and neighborhood aesthetics; this bill constrains their governing authority during water emergencies
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill may lack clarity on what constitutes a "residential watering restriction" (voluntary guidelines vs. mandatory bans), potentially creating disputes about when the protection applies
  • Enforcement burden: HOAs may struggle to verify whether discoloration is due to water restrictions or neglect, complicating fair enforcement of other landscaping violations

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

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