The Texas State Legislature read and passed HB517 - a bill that relates to the authority of a homeowner's association to assess a fine for yellow or brown turf during a period of residential watering restrictions - in the Senate on May 12. The legislation goes into effect on Sept. 1.

 

State Rep. Caroline Harris Davila from Round Rock filed HB 517 in an effect to prevent HOAs from sending fines to homeowners for having a brown lawn or plants when cities and water companies put water restrictions in place. Two changes were made before it passed - homeowners are given 60days to get their lawns back up to code after the restriction is lifted and it prevents HOAs from requiring homeowners to installing grass or turf during a drought.
The bill states that "residential water restriction" means a temporary restriction of water use to irrigate residential vegetation or turf that is mandated by a municipality, water utility, or other wholesale or retail water supplier as part of a strategy to conserve water during a period of drought." Meaning that this is applicable in very specific settings.