News Summary
In response to soaring home prices, Texas lawmakers have introduced several significant bills aimed at addressing the housing affordability crisis. Notable legislation includes provisions for ‘missing-middle housing’ and limitations on lot sizes, which are expected to widen the variety of affordable housing options. Additional bills aim to streamline housing project approvals and support nonprofit housing developers. As other states lag behind, Texas is setting an example for sustainable housing reform amidst a rapidly growing population.
Texas Legislature Passes Pro-Housing Bills to Combat Housing Affordability Crisis
The Texas Legislature has successfully passed a series of pro-housing bills aimed at facilitating construction and addressing the state’s ongoing housing affordability crisis. As home prices continue to soar, with the average cost of a home in the U.S. reaching $440,913 in May 2025—approximately $140,000 higher than five years ago—lawmakers are taking decisive action to promote housing development across Texas.
Among the key legislative changes is Senate Bill 840, which mandates that municipalities permit “missing-middle housing,” including duplexes, triplexes, and townhomes, even in areas that previously opposed such developments. This law is designed to enable affordable housing options closer to commercial zones, reinstating residential development patterns from before the 1960s. Additionally, Senate Bill 15 limits city regulations by prohibiting lot sizes larger than 3,000 square feet in new subdivisions, a measure intended to lower land costs and facilitate the construction of smaller, more affordable homes.
Senate Bill 2477 allows for easier conversions of office buildings to residential housing by removing some regulatory burdens, such as the need for extensive traffic studies and zoning changes. This is expected to boost the supply of available housing. Additionally, Senate Bill 2835 simplifies construction regulations for apartment buildings, permitting those up to six stories tall to be built with only one staircase, which can reduce costs by 6% to 13%.
The passage of House Bill 24 is another crucial development, as it raises the petition threshold for local protests against housing projects from 20% to 60%. This change makes it more challenging for small groups to obstruct new housing developments, potentially leading to faster project approvals. These laws reflect the growing urgency to address Texas’ rapid population growth and address the mounting concerns expressed by economists regarding the current shortfall in housing supply.
In stark contrast to Texas, Connecticut has vetoed similar legislative efforts aimed at enhancing housing affordability. Governor Lamont vetoed House Bill 5002, which proposed reducing parking requirements and facilitating housing near public transportation, citing concerns over local control and community pushback against new developments.
To further support the state’s housing initiatives, Texas is also planning to increase the state’s homestead exemption, which could provide tax relief for homeowners. Additionally, climate action advocates, including Bryan-College Station’s Habitat for Humanity, are supporting House Bill 4505. This proposal seeks to establish a statewide revolving loan fund for nonprofit housing developers to create affordable housing. The fund is anticipated to assist families earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income, addressing upfront construction costs.
Supporters of House Bill 4505 highlight its potential to generate around 350 new homes annually and enhance infrastructure development in underserved communities. Overall, Texas’ legislative changes mark a significant shift from restrictive local regulations to more supportive policies aimed at tackling the housing affordability crisis and accommodating the state’s burgeoning population.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Community Impact: Texans Will Face Higher Bar to Oppose Housing Development Under New Law
- Forbes: Texas Delivers on Housing Reforms, Connecticut Stumbles
- Express News: Texas Housing Laws in Legislature
- KBTX: Texas Bill Would Create Revolving Fund Boosting Affordable Housing Access
- Dallas Observer: Texas Squatters Bill Could Have Been Poison for Renters
- Wikipedia: Housing Affordability
- Google Search: Texas housing legislation
- Google Scholar: Texas housing laws
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
- Google News: Texas housing reforms
