H.B. No. 517 amends the Property Code by adding Section 202.008, which establishes limitations on the authority of property owners' associations to impose fines related to discolored vegetation or turf during periods of residential watering restrictions. The bill 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. Under this new provision, property owners' associations are prohibited from assessing fines against property owners for violations of restrictive covenants concerning the maintenance of green vegetation or turf when such discolored conditions are a direct result of the watering restrictions.

Specifically, the bill states that fines cannot be imposed during the period when a property is subject to a residential watering restriction and for up to 60 days after the restriction is lifted. This legislation aims to protect property owners from penalties for circumstances beyond their control, particularly during droughts when water conservation measures are in effect. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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