AUSTIN, Texas — A lawmaker from Williamson County wants to protect homeowners from fines if their homeowners association says their lawns aren’t green enough during droughts.
State Rep. Caroline Harris Davila (R-Round Rock) filed House Bill 517, which would prevent HOAs from sending out fines for having discolored or brown vegetation when cities and utility companies put water restrictions in place.
On Wednesday, a House committee took testimony on the bill.
“We are a property right state,” said Central Teas Water Coalition Executive Director Shannon Hamilton. “It is a property owner’s right to conserve water, especially during times of drought. That’s the only time this is an issue.”
An identical bill was filed by State Sen. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) in the Texas Senate.
If passed, the bill would take effect on Sept. 1.
Lawmakers left the bill pending in committee.