✅Relating to the authority of a property owners' association to assess a fine for discolored vegetation or turf during a period of residential watering restriction.

HB 517

✅ HB 517: Stops HOA lawn fines during drought restrictions

What it says it does:
HB 517 blocks homeowners associations from fining residents for brown or discolored grass during local watering restrictions and for 60 days after those restrictions end.

What it actually changes:
It overrides HOA deed restrictions tied to lawn appearance during drought periods. This shifts control away from HOA boards and toward state-aligned conservation rules.

Who is pushing for it:
Backed by Texas REALTORS, Texas Association of Builders, Central Texas Water Coalition, and the Texas Municipal League. Filed by Rep. Harris Davila and sponsored by Sen. Charles Schwertner.

Who benefits:
Homeowners in HOA-regulated neighborhoods who were being fined for following legal drought restrictions. Water providers and cities also benefit from better compliance with conservation rules.

Who gets left out or exposed:
HOAs lose a narrow area of enforcement power, but the bill does not penalize those who continue to fine illegally. Homeowners must still fight back individually if violations occur.

Why this matters long term:
It sets a precedent for limiting HOA power when it conflicts with statewide or public interest policies. Future legislation could address similar issues in storm recovery, security landscaping, or solar rights.

What to watch next:
Look for whether HOAs comply with the new limits or continue to fine residents. Also watch for proposals next session that build on this by protecting homeowners in other enforcement conflicts.

Bottom line:
HB 517 is a small but important win for everyday Texans. It protects families from unfair fines and brings HOA practices in line with public water policy.

#HB517 #TexasPolicy #HOAwatch #WaterConservation #KnowBeforeYouVote