The bill, H.B. No. 359, amends the Property Code by adding Section 202.008, which establishes limitations on the authority of property owners' associations to impose fines for discolored vegetation or turf during periods of residential watering restrictions. It defines "residential watering restriction" as a temporary limitation on water use for irrigation mandated by municipalities or water suppliers to conserve water during drought conditions. The bill specifies that property owners' associations cannot assess fines for violations of restrictive covenants related to maintaining green vegetation or turf when the property is subject to such watering restrictions.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that property owners cannot be fined for a reasonable period after the lifting of a watering restriction, acknowledging that discolored or brown vegetation may persist even after restrictions are removed. This legislation aims to protect property owners from penalties during times of water conservation efforts, ensuring that they are not unfairly penalized for circumstances beyond their control. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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