The bill, H.B. No. 4626, introduces new requirements for municipalities in Texas regarding the conversion of properties to house homeless individuals. It establishes Chapter 255 in the Local Government Code, which mandates that a municipality's governing body must hold a public hearing at least 90 days prior to the conversion of any property under its control for this purpose. The hearing must take place within a one-mile radius of the property, and notice of the hearing must be mailed to all residences and businesses within that same radius at least 36 hours before the hearing. Additionally, if the governing body fails to comply with these requirements, 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 provisions in a municipality's charter regarding property conversion, the new chapter will take precedence. However, it specifies that these requirements do not apply to properties converted for temporary shelter or housing during natural disasters, declared states of emergency, or other life-threatening public emergencies. The act will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.

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