Legislative Update: Homeowners’ Association Laws in Texas & What Happens Next

Today, there are more legislative challenges and threats to homeowners’ associations (HOAs) than ever before, and the urgency to take political action has never been greater.

Even though more Americans are choosing the community association lifestyle, legislators continue to propose an ever-growing number of bills—or proposed laws—that pose risks to the industry and the ability of associations to effectively govern themselves. 

To influence homeowners’ association laws in Texas, HOA board advocacy is critical. Join legislators and offer your views and insights when policy decisions are made in Austin. Read on to learn more about the important Texas bills that just passed and HOA board best practices for legislative engagement.

Texas Laws Affecting HOAs in 2025

There are already many significant laws in Texas impacting homeowners’ associations, yet more than 100 new bills filed this year would have changed—or added to—those existing policies. 

The Texas Legislature adjourned on June 2, and although the governor has until June 22 to sign or veto bills, Texas communities can expect new community association laws. 

Bills impacting HOA laws in Texas 2025:

·       HB 2629: Authorizes use of electronic meetings and voting. This bill goes into effect September 1.

·       SB 711: Addresses volunteers eligible to serve on the HOA architectural control committee, document fees and transparency for condominium owners, and allowable restrictions on fences in HOAs. This bill goes into effect September 1.

·       HB 621: Allows political gatherings in common areas if they follow the same rules as other gatherings. This bill goes into effect September 1, unless vetoed.

·       HB 517: Prohibits fines for brown grass during times of local watering restrictions. This bill goes into effect September 1.

·       HB 431: Permits installation of solar roof tiles. This bill went into effect May 29.

Proposed Laws That Didn’t Pass

This year’s legislative session may be more about the bills that didn’t pass thanks to significant advocacy by the community association industry. 

Here are examples of some of the more damaging proposals:

·       HB 2398: Would have increased liability for volunteer board members and interfered in the way associations can amend governing documents.

·       HB 294/HB 2013/SB 141: Would have permitted raising chickens in backyards.

·       HB 1087/SB 704: Would have required mandatory special elections to fill all board vacancies.

·       HB 3871: Would have required annual financial audits.

·       HB 4356: Would have limited regulations on signs with “primarily a political message.”

·       HB 4447/SB 2586: Would have required all property owners associations to file rules and regulations and their fine schedule enforcement policy with TREC or face significant fines.

·       HB 2504: Would have unreasonably limited fees charged by associations for documents and work associated with real estate sales.

Webinar: Texas HOA Laws and Bills

Last month, John Krueger, vice president of government affairs for Associa, sat down with Somerset, an Associa® Company, to discuss these bills and the importance of HOA community advocacy at the Texas state capitol. In this webinar, he highlights key bills, how they would positively or negatively impact current Texas HOA rules and regulations, and the importance of HOA board member and resident engagement in the legislative process.

Watch the webinar now:

More from John Krueger: “How the Corporate Transparency Act Affects You in 2025”

How HOAs Can Lobby for Law Changes

As an HOA board member, you have a duty to uphold your association’s governing documents and promote the community’s best interests. This can be done in part by homeowner association lobbying. When your HOA rules and lifestyle are at stake, here’s how you can make a difference.

• Personally visit with your state legislator. Simply by meeting your representative face to face and signing their guestbook lets them know you’re here. When they’re not in session, you might also find legislators at events, like town hall meetings, coffee shop meet-and-greets, and more.  To learn who your state legislators are, look up elected officials through the U.S. General Services Administration or your state’s official legislature website.

• Call or email your state legislators. Send emails, write letters, and make phone calls to your legislators to emphasize the weight of their decisions and who they’ll affect. You can also encourage other homeowners to reach out.

• Invite legislators to your annual meeting. If your governing documents allow, consider inviting legislators to your annual meeting. It’s a good opportunity to learn about state HOA laws and connect with these decision makers.

• Support a political action committee. Many political action committees (PACs) financially support legislators who fight for the community association industry. By donating to these groups, you can help legislators gain campaign traction and promote laws that help associations like yours.

HOAs and Politics

Whether it’s HOA laws in Texas, HOA laws in Florida, or HOA industry regulations in other states, being aware of homeowners association laws and advocating for change is critical to the success of your community. 

To learn more about political activity in an HOA, like hanging a political flag outside your front door, posting a political sign on your lawn, or canvassing your association in support of a political candidate, read our ebook, “FAQs: HOAs & Politics.” Here, John Krueger shares answers to the most pressing questions regarding HOAs and politics.