Austin News

The Texas Senate last week approved Senate Bill 581 by a unanimous 31-0 vote to prevent homeowners associations (HOAs) from forbidding homeowners to display religious articles in their yards. 

SB 581 is one of 36 pieces of legislation currently being considered by Texas lawmakers that would regulate homeowners associations. Other bills cover issues such as attorney fees in lawsuits waged by HOAs, swimming pool enclosures, race-restrictive covenants, short-term rentals, security cameras and liens. 

"Today, #SB581 passed unanimously 31-0 through the Texas Senate to protect homeowners who wish to place religious displays on their front yard," state Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) said on his Twitter account in reaction to the passage of the bill. "HOAs should not have the right to prevent free exercise of your religious freedom."

Bettencourt joined with four other Republicans and a Democrat in sponsoring the bill. Bettencourt is from Texas Senate District 7 in Harris County and was previously Harris County Treasurer for 10 years before being elected to the Texas Senate in 2014. 

He is also an alumnus of Texas A&M University and CEO and President of Bettencourt Tax Advisors, L.L.C. Bettencourt was once named a "Hero of the Faith" by the Houston Area Pastors' Council. 

In addition to this bill, HOAs have received criticism for abusive behavior from a wide variety of sources. 

"A very large number of representatives and senators are starting to see the many numbers of ways that subdivisions are taking advantage of homeowners," said David Kahne, an attorney who testified in favor of a number of the HOA regulation bills currently being considered by the Texas Senate. 

According the legiscan.com, SB 581 was rated as a "moderately partisan bill," enjoying more support from Republicans. 

Texans experiencing problems with their homeowners association can reach out to the HOA Reform Coalition for counsel.