S.B. No. 617 introduces new regulations for municipalities in Texas regarding the conversion of properties to house homeless individuals. The bill adds Chapter 255 to the Local Government Code, which establishes specific hearing and public notice requirements. Under the new provisions, a municipality's governing body must hold a public hearing at least 90 days prior to the conversion, with the hearing location being within a one-mile radius of the property in question. Additionally, the governing body is required to notify all residences and businesses within that same radius at least 36 hours before the hearing. If these requirements are not met, individuals entitled to notice can seek injunctive relief in district court to prevent the conversion.

The bill also clarifies that in case of any conflict between this new chapter and existing municipal charters regarding property conversion, the provisions of Chapter 255 will take precedence. However, it specifies that these requirements do not apply to properties converted for temporary shelter during natural disasters or emergencies. The act will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature, or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.

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