Texas Legislature

New Laws Effective Jan. 1 Include HOA Fines, Building Permit Fees, and Tax Appraisal Databases

By April Towery / January 3, 2024 /

Tighter guardrails for homeowners’ associations, periodic reauthorization of municipal building permit fees, and the creation and maintenance of tax appraisal databases for each jurisdiction are among the new laws that became effective Jan. 1.  While the Texas Legislature doesn’t return to session until January 2025, that doesn’t mean lawmakers get to take a year off.…

Property Tax Relief Among 14 Propositions on Nov. 7 Texas Ballot

By April Towery / October 5, 2023 /

When Texas lawmakers announced in August that the House and Senate finally reached an agreement on the largest property tax cut in Texas history — to the tune of $18 billion — residents of the Lone Star State weren’t quite ready to do a victory dance.  Perhaps that’s because they knew they’d still have to…

Dallas Builders Association Says These Four New Laws Make Construction More Efficient And Affordable

By April Towery / September 6, 2023 /

If the City of Dallas has a backlog, should developers be able to hire their own inspector to review building permits? David Lehde, Dallas Builders Association director of government affairs, says he supports the city’s Development Services Department in its efforts to expedite permits, but new state legislation allowing developers to take matters into their…

City Prepares as Legislation on Affordable Housing, Infrastructure, And Roosters Goes Into Effect Sept. 1

By April Towery / August 29, 2023 /

Despite the Texas Legislature’s ongoing work in Austin, many new state laws passed during the regular session will go into effect Sept. 1. Reports say that the Texas Legislature will convene a third time in October concerning school vouchers. The first two special sessions dealt with property taxes, also a hot-button local issue.  In an Aug.…

House And Senate Finally Strike a Deal on ‘Largest Property Tax Cut in Texas History’

By April Towery / July 10, 2023 /

After two special sessions and more than a few proverbial shots fired from both chambers of the Texas Legislature, Republican lawmakers reached an agreement Monday to provide property tax relief. The Texas Tribune broke the news Monday morning:  The $18 billion compromise between the Texas House and Senate — which includes more than $5 billion…