Mesquite staff briefs council on bills tracked in the 89th Texas Legislature

Sunita Martinez, senior management analyst in the city manager’s office, briefed the council on state legislation the city is tracking during the 89th Texas Legislature and explained positions for several bills.

Martinez said Mesquite’s legislative program emphasizes local control. She identified bills the city supports and tracks: HB 1749 (clarifies municipal court authority to enforce ordinances on health, safety and public nuisance) and two bills that limit the operations of housing finance corporations so their activity is restricted to sponsoring cities or counties (HB 21 and HB 1585). Martinez said those housing finance corporation bills reflect concern about out‑of‑area groups obtaining tax exemptions on developments without local notice.

Martinez also summarized bills Mesquite is monitoring or may oppose, including proposals that would change notice and process for zoning changes (SB 1160), require permits and fees for food establishments (SB 1008), alter rules for certificates of obligation and anticipation notes (HB 1453), and restrict municipal franchise fees on streaming services. She described bills affecting annexation and municipal service requirements for newly annexed land (HB 950) and public‑safety and public‑space bills such as HB 3084 (restriction on solicitation by pedestrians) and SB 241 (rules for camping in public places).

On housing topics she noted bills that would loosen local controls over multifamily conversions on religious land (SB 854) and streamline accessory dwelling unit (ADU) approvals (SB 673 and HB 1779). Martinez said the city’s initial read raised concerns that some bills could limit local regulation of height, parking and setbacks.

Martinez closed by reminding the council that roughly 8,000 bills had been filed this session and that the legislature’s regular session schedule requires action by June 2. She noted that city staff participated in a recent Mesquite Days in Austin trip to meet legislators and strengthen advocacy. Martinez invited questions and told council staff would continue monitoring and provide updates.