Relating to the applicability of prohibitions on municipal or county regulations on the rental or leasing of housing accommodations.
By restricting local governments from being able to enact ordinances that could disproportionately affect the ability of these groups to secure housing, HB 697 aims to align local policies with state anti-discrimination principles. This change is expected to provide more equitable access to housing for individuals receiving income from sources such as pensions, benefits, or other lawful means, thereby potentially increasing housing stability for those affected by these provisions. The bill's supporters argue that these changes are necessary to address ongoing disparities in housing accessibility and discrimination faced by these populations.
House Bill 697 addresses the applicability of prohibitions on municipal or county regulations concerning the rental or leasing of housing accommodations. The bill amends Section 250.007(b) of the Local Government Code, specifying that local governments may not impose regulations or ordinances that allow the refusal to lease or rent housing based on the lawful source of income used by certain protected classes, including military veterans, elderly individuals (62 years and older), and persons with disabilities. The purpose of this amendment is to enhance protections for these vulnerable groups in rental housing markets across Texas.
While supporters tout the bill's benefits for protected classes, critics express concerns about the potential overreach of state legislation into local governance. They argue that municipalities should retain the authority to create regulations that reflect the unique needs and circumstances of their communities. The debate centers on the balance between state-level protections and local control, with some stakeholders worrying that the bill may inadvertently stifle local governance capacities, especially regarding housing policies that address specific regional housing crises.