H.B. No. 517 amends the Texas 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. 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 related to maintaining green vegetation or turf while a watering restriction is in effect.

Specifically, the bill states that no fines can be levied for discolored or brown vegetation during the period of the watering restriction and for up to 60 days after the restriction is lifted. This legislation aims to protect property owners from penalties that could arise due to circumstances beyond their control, particularly during drought conditions when water conservation is necessary. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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