The bill, S.B. No. 542, 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 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 when such discoloration is a direct result of these watering restrictions.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that property owners cannot be fined for a reasonable period after the lifting of a watering restriction, acknowledging the time it may take for vegetation to recover. 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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