81R2486 PAM-F
By: Alonzo H.B. No. 244
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to regulation of residential tenancies by local
governments.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subtitle C, Title 7, Local Government Code, is
amended by adding Chapter 247 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 247. CERTAIN PROHIBITIONS APPLYING TO MORE THAN ONE TYPE OF
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Sec. 247.001. PROHIBITION AGAINST REGULATING RESIDENTIAL
TENANCIES BASED ON IMMIGRATION STATUS. (a) A political
subdivision may not require a landlord to:
(1) refuse to lease to a prospective tenant or renew
the lease of a tenant solely on the basis of the immigration status
of the tenant or a member of the tenant's family; or
(2) inquire as to the immigration status of a tenant or
prospective tenant or a member of the tenant's family.
(b) To the extent the prohibition imposed by Subsection (a)
conflicts with common law, another state statute, or a local
ordinance or other regulation, the prohibition in Subsection (a)
prevails.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2009.