The Texas 89th Legislature has officially begun! HAR along with Texas REALTORS® have released our legislative priorities for this session. Being leaders on these issues and keeping REALTORS® at the forefront of the conversation is essential to the real estate industry.
Mandatory Buyer’s Representation Agreement
The Sitzer-Burnett verdict and other lawsuits have highlighted a major weakness in real estate transactions: the need for greater transparency and consistency regarding compensation. According to NAR data, 18 states require written buyer representation agreements, and HAR supports this initiative.
Appraisal Caps
Texas REALTORS® opposes efforts to reduce the property-tax appraisal cap from its current level of 10% as such stringent caps create inequalities in the tax burden and do not achieve property tax reductions for taxpayers
Access to Voting
The county wide voting system helps increase voter turnout and reduce voter confusion by allowing voters to cast their ballots at any vote center within their county. With voter turnout reaching record lows in some elections, every available mechanism to increase participation should be utilized.
Eminent Domain Authority
Eminent Domain threatens private property rights. Texas REALTORS® understands the needs for legitimate property condemnations; however, landowners should be justly and timely compensated.
Energy and Electricity
Reliable and resilient electricity and energy services are critical to the wellbeing of all Texans. Texas is and should continue to be a global leader in both oil and gas and renewable energy technologies. The Legislature should continue to prioritize that multi-modal energy system that facilitates safe delivery of electricity and other energy services to residents and businesses, as well as innovative technologies that may add to the state’s overall energy supply without detracting from traditional sources.
Flood Mitigation and Resiliency
This critical issue impacts real estate in our region, and the need for new and improved flood infrastructure is growing as storms become stronger and more frequent. We strongly support efforts to fund the coastal barrier project, the Texas Flood Infrastructure Fund, and any initiatives that keep flood control in the hands of local governments.
Land Use
Legislation that targets individuals from foreign countries is highly offensive to many of our members and flies in the face of fair housing laws which REALTORS® are required to abide by.