Bills sent to Governor Abbott that were not vetoed have officially become law! This was a landmark session with all six of Texas REALTORS® priority bills signed into law, plus 54 additional supported bills passed! With 60 total REALTOR®-friendly wins, the 89th Legislative Session is among the most successful sessions for REALTORS®, property owners, and future homeowners across Texas. Our Governmental Affairs and Political Affairs teams worked closely with Texas REALTORS® and our members to advocate for bills that would benefit the real estate industry. Here are a few highlights of the bills that Texas REALTORS® supported this legislative session.

SB 1567 – Municipal Regulation of Dwelling Unit Occupancy – prevents tenant relationship status-based occupancy limits in college towns

SB 15 – Residential Lot Size and Density Requirements – allows for higher density developments in some areas of large cities

SB 785—Regulation of HUD-Code Manufactured Housing—Requires municipalities to allow HUD-code manufactured homes in at least one residential zoning classification.

And we can’t forget the Property Tax Bills from this session:

Property Tax Relief for Homeowners:

SJR 2*  and SB 4 : Increases homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000; voter approval November 4, 2025; effective January 1, 2025

SJR 85* and SB 23: Raises elderly/disabled exemption from $10,000 to $60,000; effective January 1, 2025

Property Tax Bills promoting transparency and supporting business investment:

HJR 1* and HB 9: Exempts $125,000 of income-producing personal property; effective January 1, 2026

SB 1025: Requires clear ballot language regarding local tax increases; effective May 24, 2025

SJR 18*: Prohibits capital gains tax; effective November 4, 2025

And lawmakers aren’t done yet, Governor Abbott has called them back to Austin for a special legislative session beginning on July 21. Items on the Special Session agenda include cutting property taxes, redistricting, and title theft and deed fraud. Please reach out to the Governmental Affairs and Advocacy team should you have any questions regarding these topics.