Governor Greg Abbott held a bill signing ceremony at the Texas Capitol to sign three pieces of legislation aimed at addressing the housing shortage and improving affordability in Texas. The bills—Senate Bill 15, Senate Bill 840, and House Bill 24—are intended to increase housing supply and ease development restrictions across the state.
“Housing affordability is one of the key issues on the minds of Texans today,” Governor Abbott said. “Thankfully, we have taken large steps to make the American dream of affording a home a reality. Thank you to all the lawmakers and housing advocates who continue working to make Texas the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Several lawmakers joined Abbott at the event, including Senator Paul Bettencourt, Senator Bryan Hughes, Representative Gary Gates, Representative Cole Hefner, and Representative Angelina Orr.
Senate Bill 15 prevents cities from requiring very large lot sizes for homes on unplatted tracts over five acres. The law also limits municipalities from imposing certain requirements on small lots related to setbacks, parking spaces, permeable surfaces, ceiling heights, building bulk, or wall design.
Senate Bill 840 permits mixed-use and multifamily developments in areas zoned for office, retail, or warehouse use in major cities. This measure also restricts local governments from creating specific fees or requirements that could hinder development in these zones.
House Bill 24 changes the valid petition process known as the “tyrant’s veto,” making it simpler for zoning changes that support more residential construction. The aim is to boost housing supply and affordability by easing density restrictions.
