81R3559 AJA-F
By: Coleman H.B. No. 2956
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the regulation of solar energy panels by a property
owners' association.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 202, Property Code, is amended by adding
Section 202.010 to read as follows:
Sec. 202.010. REGULATION OF SOLAR ENERGY PANELS. (a) In
this section, "solar energy panel" means a panel device or system
designed primarily to:
(1) collect solar energy, as defined by Section
2166.403, Government Code; or
(2) collect and subsequently use solar energy as
thermal, mechanical, or electrical energy.
(b) Except as otherwise provided by this section, a property
owners' association may not include or enforce a provision in a
dedicatory instrument that prohibits or restricts a property owner
from installing a solar energy panel.
(c) A provision that violates Subsection (b) is void.
(d) This section does not prohibit the inclusion or
enforcement of a provision in a dedicatory instrument that
prohibits a solar energy panel that:
(1) threatens the public health or safety;
(2) violates a law;
(3) is located on property owned or maintained by the
property owners' association;
(4) is located on property owned in common by the
members of the property owners' association;
(5) is located in an area on the property owner's
property other than:
(A) on the roof of the home; or
(B) in a fenced yard or patio maintained by the
property owner; or
(6) is mounted on a device that is taller or more
visually obtrusive than is necessary for the panel to operate at not
less than 90 percent of its rated efficiency.
SECTION 2. Section 202.010, Property Code, as added by this
Act, applies to a provision in a dedicatory instrument without
regard to whether the provision or the dedicatory instrument takes
effect or is renewed before, on, or after the effective date of this
Act.
SECTION 3. 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.