Page 12 - Builder Brief November 2025 Issue

E X E C U T I V E V I C E P R E S I D E N T
2025 TEXAS LEGISLATIVE
SPECIAL SESSIONS UPDATE
On June 23, 2025, Governor Abbott called a Special Session of the
Texas Legislature to consider various topics, including property tax relief,
congressional redistricting, THC regulations, and impact fee credits. Due
to the devastating floods, the Governor added flood relief topics for the
Legislature to consider. The issues below, considered during the two
special sessions called on June 23rd and September 25th, directly or
indirectly impact Texas homebuilders, developers, and GSABA members.
y Legislation to improve early warning systems and other preparedness
infrastructure in flood-prone areas throughout Texas. (SB 3 passed)
y Legislation to provide relief funding for response to and recovery from
the storms that began in early July 2025. (SB 5 passed)
y Legislation to strengthen emergency communications and other
response infrastructure in flood-prone areas throughout Texas. (did
not pass)
y Legislation to evaluate and streamline rules and regulations to speed
preparedness and recovery from natural disasters. (HB 20 passed)
y Legislation reducing the property tax burden on Texans and legislation
imposing spending limits on entities authorized to impose property
taxes. (did not pass)
y Legislation prohibiting taxpayer-funded lobbying, including the use of
tax dollars to hire lobbyists and payment of tax dollars to associations
that lobby the Legislature. (did not pass)
y Consider and act upon legislation, similar to Senate Bill No. 648 from
the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, that provides strengthened
protections against title theft and deed fraud. (SB 16 passed)
y Consider and act upon legislation, similar to Senate Bill No. 1253 from the
89th Legislature, Regular Session, that authorizes political subdivisions
to reduce impact fees for builders who include water conservation and
efficiency measures. (SB 14 passed)
y Legislation relating to a groundwater study of East Texas aquifers by
the Texas Water Development Board before the issuance of permits
or permit amendments by certain groundwater conservation districts.
(did not pass)
y Legislation authorizing contracts with sheriffs and constables for the
provision of law enforcement services and legislation relating to the
appropriation or transfer of funds to or from a law enforcement agency.
(HB 26 and HB 192 passed)
As Texas continues to grow, local governments face the risk of unmet
water needs, and our elected officials have been working on solutions to this
problem for years. Before the Impact Fee Credit Legislation (SB 14), there
were no incentives for builders and developers to use water-conserving
systems or products. Senate Bill 14 did pass and will go into effect on
January 1, 2026. This bill will incentivize builders and developers and provide
12 NOVEMBER 2025 | GREATER SAN ANTONIO BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
K R I S T I S U T T E R F I E L D
credits against impact fees for more efficient water
and wastewater infrastructure, appliances, or
systems in new construction and development.
Deed fraud and theft have created problems
for property owners in recent years, and Texas
has seen a sharp rise in these crimes. New
criminal offenses for real property theft or fraud
are now in place following the passage of Senate
Bill 16, targeting schemes in which individuals
unlawfully transfer or claim ownership of real
estate. Penalties are increased if the victim is
elderly, disabled, a nonprofit, or if the property is a
homestead. Senate Bill 16 also creates a 10-year
statute of limitations for these crimes, strengthens
protections against deed fraud, and will go into
effect on January 1, 2026.
We owe a debt of gratitude to our State
Senators and Representatives for addressing
the critical issues facing all of us, especially the
devastating flooding that occurred in early July.
The work our State Association does on behalf of
our members is vital.
The GSABA leadership team is headed to
Austin in early November to work with the Texas
Association of Builders (TAB) and members
from across the state on critical issues facing
the single-family homebuilding, remodeling, and
development industry. We will continue to keep
you informed!
Warm Regards,