Texas lawmakers are set to examine ways to reduce housing costs and reforms aimed at increasing the housing supply.
Texas’ continued population growth has fueled demand for housing, increasing pressure on lawmakers to address affordability.
Along with considering additional reforms, the Texas House Committee on Land and Resource Management will review implementation of several housing bills from the previous legislative session intended to reduce regulatory barriers and expand the housing supply.
The state’s recent housing reforms have drawn praise from federal officials.
“Texas is doing a great job,” Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner told Fox News Digital on Tuesday. He said Florida and Texas are “ahead of the game” in increasing housing supply, reducing costs for homeowners, and cutting back on construction barriers.
The slate of housing bills from last session includes House Bill 24, which weakens zoning protest power, Senate Bill 15, which allows smaller minimum residential lots, SB 840, which authorizes by-right multifamily development, SB 1567, which lifts certain occupancy restrictions, and SB 2477, which streamlines office-to-residential building conversions.
A report from the Texas Public Policy Foundation found the legislature’s housing reforms generally “allow the free market to deliver more homes to Texans in need,” but recommended additional changes, including permit reform, by-right accessory dwelling units, and streamlined building codes.
Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and House Speaker Dustin Burrow have signaled housing affordability is going to be a priority during the 2027 legislature session.
“While the state’s economic landscape remains strong, rising costs of living and homeownership have created affordability challenges for families across the state and nation,” the three leaders wrote in their joint guidance to state agencies released Tuesday.
“The 90th Texas Legislature must act boldly to preserve Texas’ competitive advantage through targeted affordability measures and additional property tax reform while maintaining our commitment to fully funding public education.”
The Texas House Committee on Land and Resource Management will meet on Monday beginning at 9 a.m. to discuss housing affordability.
