The bill amends the Government Code to strengthen the regulation of migrant labor housing facilities in Texas by introducing a new civil penalty structure. It sets a minimum fine of $50 for each person occupying a facility in violation of regulations, replacing the previous penalty of $200 per day. The bill expands enforcement capabilities, allowing the Department of Housing, county attorneys, and migrant agricultural workers to initiate civil penalty actions under certain conditions. It also establishes a complaint submission process, including notification requirements for operators and a remediation timeline, while protecting individuals from retaliation for filing complaints and allowing for the awarding of attorney's fees to prevailing parties in related lawsuits.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to provide multilingual information services in areas with migrant labor housing facilities and to conduct research to identify common housing types and regions needing improved options. A timeline for implementing these provisions is established, requiring the department to adopt necessary rules by March 1, 2026, and clarifying that the changes will apply only to violations occurring on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025. This ensures that any prior violations will continue to be governed by existing laws.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()