Senate bill would extend 2021 HOA reforms to condominium associations; committee hears proponent testimony

Senate Bill 711, filed by Senator Hughes, would extend several consumer-protection and transparency measures enacted in 2021 for homeowners associations to condominium associations and make limited conforming changes.

The bill, a refile of legislation from the prior session, would expand provisions that “bring more balance between the rights of property owners and their property owners associations,” according to Senator Hughes. He told the committee the earlier 2021 reforms clarified owners’ rights around fees, access to information and security measures, and said SB 711 would apply those protections to condominium associations.

Meredith supporters told the committee they expect SB 711 to follow the approach of prior, bipartisan legislation. Brady Ortega, an attorney with the Community Associations Institute, Texas Legislative Action Committee, testified in support, saying the group is "very grateful to Chairman Hughes for filing this bill and giving us another chance this session to address these issues that are important to Texans that live in HOAs and condominiums." No opponents registered; the bill was left pending.

The committee chair first laid out the bill and asked for questions; none were raised from the dais before public testimony opened and closed. The chair announced the bill will be held pending further action.

Because the bill was laid out for committee consideration and public testimony was taken but no formal vote was recorded, it remains pending.

The committee transcript shows the layout beginning when the chair recognized Senator Hughes to take up Senate Bill 711 and closes public testimony after Mr. Ortega’s remarks.