H.B. No. 4626 introduces new regulations for municipalities 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 a property. This hearing must take place within a one-mile radius of the property in question. Additionally, the governing body is required to notify all residences and businesses within that radius at least 36 hours before the hearing. 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 cases of conflict between this new chapter and existing municipal charters regarding property conversion, the provisions of this chapter will take precedence. However, it exempts conversions intended for temporary shelter during natural disasters or emergencies from these requirements. 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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