Texas Senate Bill SB3015

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/14/25

Caption

Relating to local government regulation.

Impact

Should SB3015 be enacted, various local government regulations concerning housing development, land use, and public infrastructure will be substantially limited. Notably, it proposes to restrict the authority of commissioners' courts to regulate aspects such as lot sizes, dimensions, and local road standards, ensuring that all such regulations align with state standards. The changes are expected to foster a more predictable and less cumbersome environment for developers and potentially lead to an increased supply of affordable housing options across communities in Texas.

Summary

SB3015, titled the Texas Home Ownership and Market Efficiency Act (Texas HOME Act), proposes significant changes to local government regulation in Texas. The legislature recognizes an ongoing housing affordability crisis, attributing a significant portion of this issue to what it deems 'unnecessary and burdensome local government regulation.' The bill aims to streamline regulations related to housing and infrastructure, thereby promoting more efficient market supply and development, thus addressing the demand for affordable housing in the state.

Contention

Debates surrounding SB3015 emphasize a tension between promoting economic growth and retaining local control. Proponents argue that the bill will alleviate regulatory burdens that hinder housing development and thereby drive economic activity. Critics, however, fear that the legislation may overly centralize power at the state level, sidelining local governments from addressing specific community needs and concerns—particularly in areas like environmental management, health, and housing equity. This discussion points to the broader implications of how housing policies are shaped in relation to local autonomy.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Local Government Code

• Chapter 43. Municipal Annexation
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 212. Municipal Regulation Of Subdivisions And Property Development
  • Section: 172

• Chapter 232. County Regulation Of Subdivisions
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 0031

• Chapter 580. Miscellaneous Provisions Relating To Municipal And County Water
  • Section: New Section

Water Code

• Chapter 49. Provisions Applicable To All Districts
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 54. Municipal Utility Districts
  • Section: 016
  • Section: 0161