A bill aimed at tackling Texas’ rising home prices and rents is back on the table after it was briefly blocked in the Texas House.
Senate Bill 15 proposes allowing smaller homes to be built on smaller lots in Texas cities.
This would make it cheaper for homebuilders to construct houses, lowering the final price for buyers. After being killed on procedural grounds, the bill was quickly revived and is set for discussion again Tuesday.
Why This Bill Matters
The bill would limit the land cities can require for single-family homes in new subdivisions to 1,400 square feet (instead of the current 5,000-7,500 square feet). Supporters say this will:
- Lower Home Prices: Smaller homes use less land, reducing costs.
- Increase Housing Supply: More homes can be built, addressing the state’s housing shortage.
- Help Homebuyers: Rising prices and high interest rates make affordable options crucial for first-time buyers.
State Rep. Gary Gates, who supports the bill, calls it “one of the best opportunities we have to make housing affordable.”
Opposition and Concerns
Some city officials and neighborhood activists aren’t sold.
They argue the bill interferes with local decisions and could lead to problems like increased traffic and drainage issues.
Rep.
Ramon Romero Jr., who briefly blocked the bill, also doubts it will actually lower home prices. He pointed to Austin, where smaller homes haven’t always meant more affordable options.
Texas’ Housing Crisis
Texas is short 320,000 homes, making housing costs skyrocket. Bills like this one aim to cut red tape and encourage development. Other housing proposals include:
- Allowing apartments and smaller homes in commercial areas.
- Making it easier to convert office buildings into housing.
- Reducing restrictions on backyard accessory units.
For now, Senate Bill 15 only applies to Texas’ largest cities, like Houston and Dallas, leaving smaller towns and suburbs out.
What’s Next?
The House is set to discuss this bill, along with others addressing housing affordability, in the coming days.
Stay tuned as lawmakers work to find solutions for Texas’ growing housing needs.