House Bill No. 5387 amends the Texas 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. The bill defines "residential watering restriction" as a temporary limitation on water use for irrigation 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 while such restrictions are in effect.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that property owners cannot be fined for a reasonable period after the lifting of a watering restriction, acknowledging that discolored or brown vegetation may reasonably result from the restrictions. This legislation aims to protect property owners from penalties during times of water conservation efforts, ensuring that they are not held accountable for conditions beyond their control. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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