The bill amends the Texas Property Code to enhance the eviction process by clarifying jurisdiction and streamlining procedures for landlords and tenants. It mandates that eviction suits be filed in the justice precinct where the property is located, with provisions for case transfers if necessary. New requirements for tenant notification before eviction filings include a three-day written notice for rent defaults. The bill specifies that justice courts can adjudicate possession rights but not property title, and it prohibits local courts from imposing additional requirements beyond those in the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. It also introduces electronic proceedings, allowing parties to appear via videoconference and enabling landlords to seek summary disposition without a trial if no genuine disputes exist.

Additionally, the bill replaces the term "pauper's affidavit" with "statement of inability to afford payment of court costs" for tenant appeals and outlines the necessary information for this statement. It clarifies tenant obligations regarding rent payments during the appeal process and allows for simultaneous hearings on rent contests when government assistance is involved. The bill also modifies existing provisions related to writs of possession, making their issuance a ministerial act and detailing law enforcement responsibilities in executing them. Several procedural requirements are deleted to streamline the process, and the changes will take effect for eviction suits filed on or after January 1, 2026, with some provisions effective as of September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Property Code 24.004, Property Code 24.005, Property Code 24.0051, Property Code 24.00511, Property Code 24.00512, Property Code 24.0052, Property Code 24.0053, Property Code 24.0054, Property Code 24.006, Property Code 24.0061, Property Code 24.0062, Property Code 24.011 (Property Code 24)
House Committee Report: Property Code 24.004, Property Code 24.005, Property Code 24.0051, Property Code 24.00511, Property Code 24.00512, Property Code 24.0052, Property Code 24.0053, Property Code 24.0054, Property Code 24.0061, Property Code 24.011 (Property Code 24)