Key HOA Law Changes from the 89th Texas Legislature

The 89th Texas Legislative Session brought significant changes that directly affect homeowners and their associations, aiming to strike a new balance between property rights and community standards. As of July 16, 2025, several new laws passed by the 89th Texas Legislature have taken effect and they could directly impact how you manage your home, interact with your HOA, and invest in energy upgrades. From protecting your lawn during drought restrictions to securing your right to install solar roof tiles, these changes aim to give homeowners more flexibility, transparency, and legal protection. 

These new laws could have a direct impact on your rights and responsibilities as a homeowner. Here’s what you need to know and how to prepare.

HB 517 –  Protecting Homeowners from HOA Fines for Brown Lawns During Drought

• What it does:  Protects homeowners from being fined by their homeowners’ associations  when lawns turn brown during droughts.  it prevents fines for dry grass or imperfect landscaping when local water restrictions are in place. It also provides a 60-day grace period after those restrictions are lifted, giving lawns time to recover naturally.
• Effective: September 1, 2025. 

SB 2629 –  Empowering Texas HOAs & Condo Boards with Electronic Voting & Meetings

• What it does: Allows HOAs and condo associations to hold meetings via teleconference/electronic means and to conduct voting by electronic ballot, proxy, or absentee ballot. 
• The primary goal is to make participation in community governance easier and more efficient by officially allowing electronic meetings and voting. By embracing digital communication tools, it makes it easier for members to stay involved, especially in today’s increasingly mobile and tech-savvy world. These updates help align HOA and condominium procedures with modern corporate standards, replacing outdated requirements that mandated in-person-only meetings and votes.
• Effective: September 1, 2025.

HB 431 –  Empowering Texas Homeowners to Install Solar Roof Tiles

• What it does: Homeowners can install solar roof tiles without being hindered by outdated or restrictive association rules. By officially classifying solar roof tiles as “solar energy devices,” the bill removes any ambiguity and gives homeowners the freedom to embrace renewable energy without unnecessary red tape. This legislation reflects Texas’s broader commitment to sustainability while expanding residents’ control over how they power their homes.
• Effective: May 29, 2025

SB 711 –  Elevating Homeowners’ associations & Condominium Transparency and Governance

• Introduces a series of updates to how homeowners’ associations and condominium associations operate particularly those with 60 or more units or any homeowners’ associations that partners with a management company. The bill sharpens existing Property Code provisions to promote transparency, standardize procedures, and make governing documents easier for homeowners to access. More than just policy tweaks, SB 711 empowers residents by improving how architectural reviews are handled and clarifying the rules around security fencing, all while encouraging more open lines of communication between associations and their communities.
• Homeowners can expect more consistent, accessible information from your HOA, such as financial reports, policy documents, and meeting notices. This helps you stay informed and hold your board accountable.
• Effective: September 1, 2025.

House Bill 621 (HB 621)-   Strengthens Homeowners' Rights to Host Political Gatherings in HOA Common Areas

• This Bill brings significant changes to how homeowners and Homeowners Associations (HOAs) in Texas manage the use of common areas for political gatherings. This law specifically impacts property owners, residents, HOA boards, and individuals running for public office. The primary purpose of HB 621 is to safeguard the right of homeowners and residents to invite governmental officials and qualified candidates to speak or meet within HOA-controlled common areas. It prevents HOAs from adopting rules that infringe on this right and encourages increased civic participation within residential communities. HB 621 is part of a broader legislative movement in Texas to enhance transparency and community engagement among residents living in HOA-governed neighborhoods.
• Effective September 1, 2025

These legislative changes are designed to improve the welfare of associations and their residents by promoting transparency, fairness, and modern governance. The Texas government has established these laws to ensure that HOAs operate more effectively and in a manner that protects homeowners' rights. Following these regulations is not just a requirement; it's a step toward building a better, more responsive association for everyone.

Find more information about these legislative updates through the Texas State Law Library.