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Happy Clients Realty Group - Ali Palacios > texas legislature

Senate Bill – 15

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

Senate Bill – 15 – Relating to size and density requirements for residential lots in certain municipalities; authorizing a fee.

This is a summary of the bill. Read the entire bill here.

This Texas bill, effective September 1, 2025, imposes new restrictions on municipalities with populations over 150,000 (located in counties with 300,000+ residents) regarding residential zoning. Key provisions include:

1. Lot Size & Density Limits:
– Bans minimum lot sizes larger than 1,400 sq. ft., widths under 20 feet, or depths under 60 feet for certain single-family zoned tracts (5+ acres, unplatted).
– Prohibits density limits below 31.1 units per acre.

**This will allow for more housing in a smaller area: 1. More affordable housing options – Smaller lots (as tiny as 1,400 sq. ft.) mean lower land costs, potentially reducing home prices. 2. More housing supply – Could ease shortages in high-demand cities (e.g., Austin, Houston, San Antonio). 3. Flexibility in design – Fewer restrictions on setbacks, parking, and height allow for more creative home layouts (e.g., townhomes, skinny houses).

2. Small Lot Protections (≤4,000 sq. ft.):
– Limits setbacks to 5 feet (front/back/sides).
– Bans requirements like covered parking, >1 parking space/unit, >30% open space, or height restrictions under 3 stories (max 10 ft./floor).
– Exempts aquifer recharge zones from permeable surface rules.

3. Enforcement & Legal Action:
– Allows lawsuits by affected parties/housing organizations for violations, with remedies including damages, injunctions, and attorney’s fees.
– Waives governmental immunity for such claims.

4. Exemptions:
– Does not override private HOA rules, stormwater mitigation, or short-term rental regulations.
– Excludes areas near law enforcement training centers in populous counties (e.g., Harris County).

Goal: Promote higher-density housing by reducing local zoning barriers, while preserving environmental and private contractual protections.

 

Senate Bill – 7

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

Senate Bill – 7 – Relating to the oversight and financing of certain water infrastructure matters under the jurisdiction of the Texas Water Development Board.

This is a summary of the bill. Read the entire bill here. This bill will require voter approval.

This bill enhances the Texas Water Development Board’s (TWDB) authority to plan, fund, and coordinate water infrastructure projects, focusing on new water supplies, efficient conveyance, and regional coordination.

Key Provisions:
1. Water Supply & Conveyance Coordination
– TWDB must facilitate joint planning between utilities, governments, and industries to:
– Maximize use of existing easements (reducing eminent domain needs).
– Standardize water pipeline designs for interconnectivity.
– Plan for excess capacity in new infrastructure.

2. Funding Expansions
– Allows TWDB to use the Texas Water Fund for:
– Desalination, produced water treatment, aquifer storage, and reservoirs.
– New water conveyance infrastructure (but not for transporting fresh groundwater).
– Streamlines transfers between state water funds.

3. Advisory Committee Reforms
– Expands the Texas Water Fund Advisory Committee to include emergency management oversight.
– Requires biennial reports on water project progress and funding.

4. Permitting & Oversight
– TWDB can pay for expedited permit reviews (up to $2M) to speed up water projects.
– Strengthens legislative oversight of water fund spending.

5. Out-of-State Water Transfers
– Explicitly allows TWDB to purchase and transfer water rights from other states for Texas’ benefit.

Effective Dates:
– Most provisions take effect September 1, 2025.
– Some funding changes depend on voter approval of a 2025 constitutional amendment (S.J.R. 66).

Impact:
– Faster project delivery through better coordination and funding.
– More water supply options (desalination, reservoirs, imported water).
– Reduced eminent domain use by prioritizing existing easements.
– Accountability via stricter legislative oversight and public reporting.

This bill aims to modernize Texas’ water infrastructure planning while ensuring funds are spent effectively.

Senate Bill – 6

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

SB 6 – Relating to electricity planning and infrastructure costs for large loads.

This is a short Summary: Texas Large Load Electricity Planning Bill. Read the entire bill here

This bill has passed the Senate but still has to go through the House and the Governor.

This bill establishes new rules for large electricity customers (75+ megawatts, A large electricity customer in this bill refers to any industrial, commercial, or institutional facility that requires 75 megawatts (MW) or more of power at a single site.) in Texas to ensure grid reliability, fair cost-sharing, and transparency in infrastructure planning.

Key Provisions:
1. Cost Recovery for Utilities
– Large customers must help pay for grid interconnection costs.
– Municipal utilities and co-ops can pass these costs directly to large users.

2. New Standards for Large Loads
– Disclosure requirements: Customers must reveal if they’re seeking similar service elsewhere (to prevent wasted infrastructure).
– Backup power reporting: Large customers must disclose on-site backup generators, which ERCOT can call on during emergencies.
– Study fees: At least $100,000 for initial transmission studies (refundable if unused).
– Financial commitments: Customers must provide security (e.g., bonds, prepayments) before utilities build transmission lines.

3. Grid Reliability Measures
– ERCOT can require large customers to curtail usage or activate backup power during emergencies.
– New demand-response program for loads over 75 MW to help prevent blackouts.

4. Net Metering Rules
– Companies pairing large new loads with existing generation (e.g., industrial solar) must get regulatory approval to ensure grid stability.

5. Transmission Cost Review
– The PUC must study whether current wholesale transmission pricing fairly allocates costs.

Effective Date:
– Immediately if passed by a 2/3 majority, otherwise September 1, 2025.

Impact:
– Large businesses: Higher upfront costs but clearer rules for connecting to the grid.
– Utilities: More certainty in recovering infrastructure expenses.
– ERCOT: Better tools to manage demand during emergencies.

This bill aims to balance economic growth with grid reliability while ensuring large users pay their fair share.

Why is this important?

We have experienced black out because of our failing power grid system and any added strain can affect us further. There is a very large AI data center and Tesla’s new battery factory that will/are currently being built in Texas. These will have a major impact on Texas’ energy grid, but this new law is designed to manage that impact. Here’s how:

1. How These Facilities Strain the Grid
– AI Data Centers
– Extremely power-hungry, some AI facilities use 100+ MW (equivalent to ~20,000+ homes).
– 24/7 operation with no flexibility, unlike factories, they can’t easily power down during shortages.
– Tesla Battery Factories
– Gigafactories (like Tesla’s in Austin) can require 200+ MW at full production.
– High demand for lithium processing, which is energy-intensive.

Result: If multiple such projects connect to the grid without planning, they could overwhelm local transmission lines and increase blackout risks.

House Bill – 9

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

HB-9 – Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of tangible personal property a person owns that is held or used for the production of income.

This bill has passed the committee and now has to go through the House, Senate and then signed by the governor. So a lot can happen between now and then (update: March 30, 2025).

This will require voter approval in November 2025

This is summery, read the entire bill here

This bill proposes changes to property tax laws in Texas, contingent on a constitutional amendment, to provide relief for owners of tangible personal property used to produce income (e.g., business equipment, machinery, tools).

Key Provisions:

1. Tax Exemption Increase (Article 1 – Contingent on Constitutional Amendment)
– Current Law: Only exempts income-producing personal property valued at less than $2,500.
– Proposed Change: Increases the exemption to $250,000 of the appraised value.
– Effective: Applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2025, but only if voters approve the constitutional amendment in November 2025.

2. Rendering Requirements (Reporting for Taxation)
– Taxpayers must report (render) their income-producing personal property only if the total market value exceeds the $250,000 exemption in any taxing unit.

3. Transition Rules for 2025 Tax Year (Article 2 – Not Contingent on Amendment)
– Provisional Tax Roll: Appraisal districts must prepare provisional tax rolls for 2025, assuming the exemption is in effect.
– Tax Bills:
– If the amendment passes, the provisional tax bill becomes final, reflecting the lower tax amount.
– If the amendment fails, taxpayers will receive a supplemental tax bill for the difference.
– Tax Rate Calculations: Local governments must calculate tax rates as if the exemption applies, ensuring transparency in potential tax relief.

4. Voter Approval & Effective Dates
– The bill’s main tax exemption (Article 1) only takes effect if voters approve the constitutional amendment in November 2025.
– The procedural provisions (Article 2) take effect immediately (if passed by a 2/3 legislative majority) or by September 1, 2025.

Impact:
– Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs: Significant tax relief for owners of equipment, tools, and other income-generating property.
– Local Governments: Must adjust tax rolls and billing processes to account for the potential exemption.
– Taxpayers: Will see lower 2025 tax bills if the amendment passes, but may owe supplemental taxes if it fails.

This bill aims to reduce the tax burden on businesses while ensuring a smooth transition for tax authorities. The ultimate effect depends on voter approval of the constitutional amendment.

HB 402 – 2025 – Relating to the purchase of or acquisition of title to real property by certain aliens or foreign entities.

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

Please note that the following is my personal summary of the referenced bill. To review the full text, please visit their page here.

If this bill impacts you, make your voice heard by contacting your representatives via phone or email. Not sure who represents you, go to this site?

You can also use the 5 Calls app, which helps identify your representatives and provides a list of current bills along with scripts supporting or opposing them for your convenience.

HB 402 – 2025 – Relating to the purchase of or acquisition of title to real property by certain aliens or foreign entities.

This bill, titled “AN ACT relating to the purchase of or acquisition of title to real property by certain aliens or foreign entities,” aims to regulate the ownership of real property in Texas by foreign individuals or entities from countries deemed to pose a risk to U.S. national security. Here’s a summary of its key provisions:

Key Provisions:
1. Prohibition on Property Acquisition:
– The bill prohibits individuals or entities from “designated countries” (countries identified as national security risks by the U.S. Director of National Intelligence) from purchasing or acquiring title to certain types of real property in Texas.
– This includes:
– Agricultural land, mines, quarries, minerals, and standing timber.
– Entities headquartered in or controlled by governments or citizens of designated countries.
– Exceptions are made for:
– U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
– Real property intended for use as a **residence homestead**.
– Leasehold interests in land or improvements.

2. Enforcement by the Attorney General:
– The Texas Attorney General is authorized to enforce the law if there is a reasonable suspicion that a violation poses a risk to public health, safety, or welfare.
– The Attorney General can bring legal action in district court and conduct discovery to investigate ownership or control of entities involved in violations.

3. Divestiture and Receivership:
– If a court finds that real property was acquired in violation of the law, it must:
– Divest the individual or entity of their interest in the property.
– Appoint a receiver to manage and control the property pending its sale or disposition.

4. Amendments to Existing Law:
– The bill amends the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to allow courts to appoint receivers in cases involving violations of this law.
– It also amends the Property Code to clarify that aliens generally have the same property rights as U.S. citizens, except as restricted by this new subchapter.

5. Effective Date:
– The law applies to property purchases or acquisitions occurring **on or after September 1, 2025**.
– Purchases made before this date are governed by prior law.

Purpose:
The bill seeks to protect Texas real property, particularly agricultural land and resources, from being owned or controlled by foreign entities or individuals from countries identified as national security threats. It emphasizes state control over critical assets and ensures that such properties remain in the hands of entities aligned with U.S. interests.

Summary:
This legislation restricts foreign ownership of Texas real property by individuals or entities from designated countries, with enforcement mechanisms including divestiture and receivership. It balances property rights with national security concerns, while exempting U.S. citizens, lawful residents, and homestead properties. The law takes effect on **September 1, 2025**.

 

 

HB 371 – 2025 – Relating to the admission to public schools of children unlawfully present in the United States and the eligibility of those children for the benefits of the available school fund and Foundation School Program.

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

Please note that the following is my personal summary of the referenced bill. To review the full text, please visit their page here.

If this bill impacts you, make your voice heard by contacting your representatives via phone or email. Not sure who represents you, go to this site?

You can also use the 5 Calls app, which helps identify your representatives and provides a list of current bills along with scripts supporting or opposing them for your convenience.

HB 371 – 2025 – Relating to the admission to public schools of children unlawfully present in the United States and the eligibility of those children for the benefits of the available school fund and Foundation School Program.

Summary of the Bill:

This bill, titled “An Act relating to the admission to public schools of children unlawfully present in the United States and the eligibility of those children for the benefits of the available school fund and Foundation School Program,” amends the Texas Education Code to address the admission of children unlawfully present in the United States to public schools and their eligibility for state education funding. Here are the key provisions:

Key Provisions:

1. Admission to Public Schools (Section 25.001):
– Eligibility for Admission:
– Generally, only U.S. citizens, nationals, or aliens lawfully present in the United States are entitled to the benefits of the available school fund and admission to public schools.
– However, a new provision (Subsection (b-3) allows school districts to admit children who are not U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawfully present aliens if:
1. The U.S. government has entered into an agreement with Texas to pay the cost of educating the child.
2. The child is otherwise eligible for admission under existing criteria (e.g., residency requirements).

– Proof of Eligibility:
– School districts may require evidence of U.S. citizenship, nationality, or lawful presence for admission.
– Districts are authorized to make reasonable inquiries to verify eligibility.

– Agency Responsibilities (Subsection (k):
– The Texas Education Agency (TEA) must seek an agreement with the U.S. government to reimburse the cost of educating children admitted under Subsection (b-3).
– If such an agreement is reached, the TEA will:
1. Require school districts to report enrollment data for these students.
2. Submit reimbursement requests to the U.S. government.
3. Distribute reimbursed funds to school districts.

2. Foundation School Program Eligibility (Section 48.003):
– Children who are not U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawfully present aliens are not eligible for benefits under the Foundation School Program unless they are admitted under Section 25.001(b-3) (i.e., with a U.S. government reimbursement agreement in place).

3. Effective Date:
– Applies beginning with the **2026-2027 school year**.
– Takes effect on **September 1, 2025**.

Impact of the Bill:
– Restricts Access to Public Education Funding:Children unlawfully present in the United States are no longer eligible for state education funding unless the U.S. government agrees to reimburse Texas for their education costs.
– Conditional Admission: School districts may admit unlawfully present children only if a federal reimbursement agreement is in place.
– Increased Verification Requirements: School districts are required to verify the immigration status of students and may deny admission to those who cannot prove lawful presence.
– Federal Reimbursement Mechanism: The bill shifts the financial burden of educating unlawfully present children to the federal government, contingent on an agreement being reached.

This bill reflects a broader effort to limit state resources for individuals unlawfully present in the United States while seeking federal support for their education costs. It aligns with ongoing debates about immigration and public benefits.

HB 243 – 2025 – Relating to the authority of the attorney general to acquire by eminent domain certain real property owned by aliens or foreign entities

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

Please note that the following is my personal summary of the referenced bill. To review the full text, please visit their page here.

If this bill impacts you, make your voice heard by contacting your representatives via phone or email. Not sure who represents you, go to this site?

You can also use the 5 Calls app, which helps identify your representatives and provides a list of current bills along with scripts supporting or opposing them for your convenience.

HB 243 – 2025 – Relating to the authority of the attorney general to acquire by eminent domain certain real property owned by aliens or foreign entities

Summary of the Bill:

This bill, titled “An Act relating to the authority of the attorney general to acquire by eminent domain certain real property owned by aliens or foreign entities,” amends the Texas Property Code to grant the Texas Attorney General the authority to use eminent domain to acquire real property owned by aliens, foreign businesses, or foreign governments if the property is being used in a manner that violates state or federal law or poses a risk to the state’s critical infrastructure. Here are the key provisions:

Key Provisions:

1. New Chapter 21A: Acquisition by Eminent Domain of Certain Foreign-Owned Real Property:
– Definitions (Section 21A.001):
– “Alien”: A citizen of a country other than the United States.
– “Critical infrastructure”: Includes 16 categories such as energy, transportation, communications, health care, water systems, and more.
– “Foreign”: Refers to entities created or organized under the laws of a country other than the United States.

– Applicability (Section 21A.002):
– Applies to real property in Texas owned by aliens, foreign businesses, foreign governments, or their agents, trustees, or fiduciaries.

– Eminent Domain Authority (Section 21A.003):
– Allows the Attorney General to file a court action to obtain an order authorizing eminent domain proceedings if:
1. The property is being used in violation of state or federal law.
2. The property’s use creates a risk to Texas’s critical infrastructure.
– The action must be filed in a district court in the county where the property is located.
– If the court finds the Attorney General’s claims valid, it must issue an order authorizing eminent domain proceedings.
– The Attorney General may then initiate eminent domain proceedings under Chapter 21, Property Code, with certain exemptions (e.g., Chapter 2206, Government Code, and Subchapter E, Chapter 21, Property Code, do not apply).

– State Management of Acquired Property (Section 21A.004):
– Real property acquired through eminent domain under this chapter will be owned by the State of Texas and managed by the General Land Office.

2. Rulemaking (Section 2):
– Requires the Attorney General to adopt rules for implementing Chapter 21A as soon as practicable after the bill’s effective date.

3. Effective Date (Section 3):
– The bill takes effect on **September 1, 2025**.

Impact of the Bill:
– Enhanced State Authority: Grants the Texas Attorney General significant power to seize foreign-owned real property if it is deemed a threat to critical infrastructure or violates laws.
– Focus on National Security: Targets foreign ownership of property that could pose risks to essential systems like energy, transportation, and water.
– Streamlined Eminent Domain Process:** Exempts these proceedings from certain legal requirements, making it easier for the state to acquire property under these circumstances.
– State Ownership: Ensures that any acquired property is managed by the General Land Office, aligning with state interests.

This bill reflects growing concerns about foreign ownership of real property, particularly in sectors critical to national and state security. It aims to protect Texas’s infrastructure and enforce compliance with state and federal laws.

HB 191 -2025 – Relating to the purchase of or acquisition of title to real property by certain foreign entities

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

Please note that the following is my personal summary of the referenced bill. To review the full text, please visit their page here.

If this bill impacts you, make your voice heard by contacting your representatives via phone or email. Not sure who represents you, go to this site?

You can also use the 5 Calls app, which helps identify your representatives and provides a list of current bills along with scripts supporting or opposing them for your convenience.

HB 191 – Relating to the purchase of or acquisition of title to real property by certain foreign entities

Summary of the Bill:

This bill, titled “An Act relating to the purchase of or acquisition of title to real property by certain foreign entities,” amends the Texas Property Code to restrict the ability of certain foreign entities to purchase or acquire real property in Texas. The bill specifically targets entities associated with countries identified as posing a risk to U.S. national security. Here are the key provisions:

Key Provisions:

1. General Property Rights for Aliens (Section 5.005):
– Affirms that aliens (non-U.S. citizens) generally have the same property rights as U.S. citizens, except as provided under the new Subchapter H.

2. New Subchapter H: Restrictions on Real Property Acquisition by Certain Foreign Entities:
– Definitions (Section 5.251):
– Defines key terms, including:
– “Control”: Owning more than 50% of an organization’s voting interests.
– “Designated country”: A country identified by the U.S. Director of National Intelligence as posing a risk to U.S. national security in the three most recent Annual Threat Assessments.
– “Real property”: Includes land, improvements, minerals, standing timber, and certain estates or interests (excluding short-term leases and security interests like mortgages).

– Prohibition on Real Property Acquisition (Section 5.252):
– Prohibits the following entities from purchasing or acquiring title to real property in Texas:
1. Governmental entities of a designated country.
2. Organizations headquartered in a designated country or under the direct or indirect control of such a government.
3. Organizations controlled by entities described above.

– Enforcement by the Attorney General (Section 5.253):
– Allows the Texas Attorney General to bring legal action in district court if there is reason to believe a violation has occurred.
– Requires the Attorney General to record notice of the action in the county where the property is located.
– If a violation is found, the court must appoint a receiver to manage, control, and sell the property.
– Clarifies that a violation does not void the purchase or acquisition, nor does it affect the validity or enforceability of related contracts or conveyances.

3. Rulemaking (Section 3):
– Requires the Attorney General to adopt rules for implementing Subchapter H as soon as practicable after the bill’s effective date.

4. Applicability (Section 4):
– Applies only to real property purchases or acquisitions occurring on or after September 1, 2025.
– Transactions before this date are governed by prior law.

5. Effective Date (Section 5):
– The bill takes effect on **September 1, 2025**.

—

Impact of the Bill:
– National Security Focus: The bill targets entities from countries deemed a risk to U.S. national security, preventing them from acquiring real property in Texas.
– Enforcement Mechanism: Establishes a clear process for the Attorney General to investigate and address violations, including the appointment of a receiver to manage and sell prohibited acquisitions.
– Limited Retroactivity: Does not affect real property transactions completed before the effective date, ensuring legal certainty for past transactions.

This bill reflects growing concerns about foreign influence and national security, particularly regarding real estate acquisitions by entities tied to adversarial nations. It aims to safeguard Texas’s real property market while aligning with broader U.S. national security priorities.

HB 160 – 2025 – Relating to the enrollment, including resident status and tuition rates, of certain persons, including persons not authorized to be present in the United States, in public institutions of higher education.

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

Please note that the following is my personal summary of the referenced bill. To review the full text, please visit their page here.

If this bill impacts you, make your voice heard by contacting your representatives via phone or email. Not sure who represents you, go to this site?

You can also use the 5 Calls app, which helps identify your representatives and provides a list of current bills along with scripts supporting or opposing them for your convenience.

HB 160 – 2025 – Relating to the enrollment, including resident status and tuition rates, of certain persons, including persons not authorized to be present in the United States, in public institutions of higher education.

This bill, introduced by Representative Leo Wilson, amends the Texas Education Code to modify the criteria for determining resident status and tuition rates for students enrolling in public institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill specifically targets the eligibility of individuals not authorized to be present in the United States, restricting their access to in-state tuition rates and resident status. Here are the key provisions:

Key Provisions:

1. Residency Eligibility Changes (Section 54.052):
– Removes the provision (previously Section 54.052(a)(3)) that allowed individuals to qualify for resident status if they:
– Graduated from a Texas high school or received an equivalent diploma in Texas.
– Maintained continuous residence in Texas for three years before graduation and the year preceding enrollment.
– Explicitly states that individuals **not authorized under federal statute to be present in the United States** cannot be considered residents of Texas for tuition purposes.
– Maintains residency eligibility for:
– Individuals who establish and maintain a domicile in Texas for at least one year before enrollment.
– Dependents whose parents meet the domicile requirements.

2. Documentation Requirements (Section 54.053):
– Requires individuals applying for resident status to submit:
– A statement of the dates and length of time they (or their parent, if a dependent) have resided in Texas.
– A statement affirming that their presence in Texas was for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a domicile.
– Removes the previous requirement for undocumented individuals to submit an affidavit stating their intent to apply for permanent residency.

3. Reclassification of Residency (Section 54.055):
– Mandates that institutions of higher education **must** reclassify students as residents or nonresidents if additional or changed information reveals an error in their initial classification.

4. Enforcement and Penalties (Section 54.056):
– Requires institutions to charge nonresident tuition to individuals erroneously classified as residents, starting from the term after the error is discovered.
– Mandates institutions to notify campus police or local law enforcement if they discover that a student is not authorized to be present in the United States.
– Prohibits institutions from requiring payment of back tuition as a condition for future enrollment.

5. Liability for Erroneous Classification (Section 54.057):
– Holds individuals liable for the difference between resident and nonresident tuition if they:
– Fail to provide relevant information.
– Provide false information.
– Are not authorized to be present in the United States.
– Requires payment within 30 days of notification and withholds diplomas or transcripts until the amount is paid.

6. Nonresident Tuition Rates (Section 54.0601):
– Allows certain institutions near state borders to set lower nonresident tuition rates.
– Excludes individuals not authorized to be present in the United States from eligibility for these rates.

7. Retroactive Reclassification (Section 7):
– Permits institutions to reclassify students as nonresidents if they were previously classified as residents under the now-removed high school provision or if they are not authorized to be present in the United States.

8. Effective Date:
– Applies to tuition charged beginning with the **2025 fall semester**.
– Takes effect immediately if passed by a two-thirds majority in both houses; otherwise, it takes effect on **September 1, 2025**.

—

 **Impact of the Bill:**
– Restricts Access to In-State Tuition: Undocumented immigrants and individuals not authorized to be present in the United States will no longer qualify for resident status or in-state tuition rates, even if they meet other criteria like Texas high school graduation.
– Increases Scrutiny of Residency Status:** Institutions are required to actively verify and reclassify residency status, with penalties for errors or misrepresentations.
– Enforcement Measures:** Institutions must report unauthorized individuals to law enforcement, creating potential barriers to education for undocumented students.

This bill represents a significant shift in Texas higher education policy, limiting access to affordable tuition for undocumented students and reinforcing stricter residency requirements.

HB 2392 – 2025 – A New Proposal for Paying Property Taxes in Installments

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

Please note that the following is my personal summary of the referenced bill. To review the full text, please visit their page here.

If this bill impacts you, make your voice heard by contacting your representatives via phone or email. Not sure who represents you, go to this site?

You can also use the 5 Calls app, which helps identify your representatives and provides a list of current bills along with scripts supporting or opposing them for your convenience.

Understanding H.B. No. 2392: A New Proposal for Paying Property Taxes in Installments

If you’ve ever felt the financial strain of paying your property taxes in one lump sum, there’s some good news on the horizon. H.B. No. 2392, a bill introduced in the Texas Legislature, aims to make it easier for homeowners to pay their ad valorem taxes—those property taxes based on the value of your home—by allowing payments in installments.

What Does HB 2392 Propose?

Currently, property taxes on your residence homestead are typically due in a single payment by January 31st of the following year. For many Texans, especially those on fixed incomes or facing other financial hardships, this can create a serious financial burden. H.B. No. 2392 proposes to change that by allowing homeowners to split their payments into multiple installments over the course of the year.

Key Details of the Bill

  1. Installment Payments: Homeowners could choose to pay their ad valorem taxes in up to four equal installments, reducing the immediate financial burden that comes with paying the full amount in one go.
  2. Eligibility: The bill is designed primarily for residence homesteads, so it targets homeowners who live in the property as their primary residence, not rental properties or commercial buildings.
  3. Flexibility and Relief: By spreading payments over a longer period, this bill could provide some much-needed relief to those struggling with the “lump-sum” nature of property taxes.
  4. Late Fees and Interest: While this bill offers an installment option, it’s important to note that late fees and interest charges may still apply if payments are missed or delayed. Homeowners will need to stay on top of their installments to avoid additional charges.

Why It Matters

This bill has the potential to ease the financial stress that many homeowners face each year when taxes are due. By giving homeowners the option to pay in installments, H.B. No. 2392 offers greater flexibility and could help prevent financial hardship and even tax delinquencies.

If you’re a Texas homeowner, keep an eye on this bill as it progresses through the legislative process. It’s one step toward making homeownership more affordable and manageable for many families in the state.

If you want to learn more about the details of H.B. No. 2392 or how it might affect you, reach out to your local representative or track the bill’s progress through the Texas Legislature’s website.