Nearly 250 community association volunteers, community managers, and business partners gathered at the Texas State Capitol for Rally Day, an event hosted by the CAI Texas Legislative Action Committee (TLAC). This event, which featured nearly 100 legislative office visits and a keynote address from Representative Chris Turner, highlighted the importance of advocating for the rights and responsibilities of homeowners and promoting the self-governance of community associations.

What is Rally Day and Why It Matters?

Rally Day provides an opportunity for community association representatives to engage directly with lawmakers to discuss legislation affecting homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and property owners’ associations (POAs). These discussions help shape laws that impact property values, community management, and the everyday lives of Texas homeowners.

"Rally Day is crucial because it allows community associations to have a voice in the legislative process and ensure that lawmakers understand how proposed bills impact homeowners," said Chris Archambault, Managing Attorney – HOA Division with Porter Law Firm and CAI Texas Legislative Action Committee 2025 Delegate. "It’s about protecting the investment owners make in their homes and preserving the integrity of self-governance."

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Who is Behind Rally Day?

The CAI Texas Legislative Action Committee (TLAC) is a volunteer-led organization that tracks, supports, or opposes legislation affecting Texas community associations. TLAC is part of the Community Associations Institute (CAI), a national organization dedicated to providing education, networking, and advocacy for community associations.

In the Greater Houston area, the Greater Houston Chapter of Community Association Institute (CAI Houston) plays a vital role in supporting HOAs and POAs by offering educational resources, professional guidance, and legislative advocacy. Their efforts aim to ensure that local communities operate effectively and in the best interest of homeowners.

Key Legislative Issues at Stake

TLAC is currently monitoring around 200 bills that could affect community associations. During Rally Day, advocates focused on several high-priority bills:

• Miscellaneous Changes to Condominium/POA Governance (HB 1349/SB 711): This bill requires certain condominium associations to maintain an updated management certificate on file with the Texas Real Estate Commission and to have an accessible website containing recorded dedicatory instruments. Additionally, it amends the perimeter fencing statute in the Texas Property Code and establishes a formal process for the solicitation of candidates for the architectural review authority.

  • TLAC supports this bill as it corrects unintended consequences from prior legislation and increases consumer transparency for condominium owners and purchasers.

• Electronic Meetings and Voting (HB 1926): This legislation seeks to clarify that condominium and homeowner associations can hold meetings and votes electronically. The bill enhances accessibility and participation in governance by ensuring that all members, regardless of their ability to attend in person, can take part in community decisions.

  • TLAC supports this bill, believing that it modernizes governance and increases homeowner engagement.

• Loss of Self-Governance/Increased Board Member Liability (HB 2398): This bill presents two major concerns for HOAs: (1) It alters the process for amending POA governing documents, making it harder for communities to adapt their rules in the future, and (2) it imposes personal liability on volunteer board members for board decisions.

  • TLAC strongly opposes this bill, warning that it will discourage community members from serving on boards and increase operational costs.

"This bill presents significant risks for community associations by making it harder to recruit board members and increasing financial burdens on homeowners," Archambault stated. "If board members are personally liable for their decisions, we will see fewer willing volunteers, leading to governance instability. Moreover, HOAs may face increased insurance costs, which will be passed on to homeowners in the form of higher fees and assessments."

• Urban Farming (HB 294, HB 2013, SB 141): These bills propose allowing homeowners to use their residential properties for urban farming, including raising chickens, rabbits, and other small livestock.

  • While urban farming has gained popularity, TLAC opposes this legislation, arguing that community associations should retain the right to enforce reasonable restrictions to maintain the residential character of neighborhoods and prevent potential nuisance issues, sanitation problems, and safety concerns.

• Control of Common Areas (SB 700): This bill would prohibit associations from exercising control over private common areas by allowing homeowners unrestricted rights to assemble and invite non-owners to events, including political gatherings.

  • While TLAC values First Amendment rights, they oppose this bill because it strips associations of their ability to manage their own property and enforce existing rules. If passed, this bill could lead to conflicts over property usage and create challenges in maintaining shared spaces.

• Mandatory Special Elections (HB 1087/SB 704): Under this proposed legislation, associations would be required to hold special elections to fill all board vacancies instead of appointing interim board members. Under current law, boards can temporarily fill vacancies until the next scheduled election.

  • TLAC opposes this bill, highlighting the financial and administrative burdens it would impose.

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What This Means for Greater Houston Homeowners

For homeowners in the Greater Houston area, these legislative efforts directly impact community management, property values, and association governance. HOAs play a crucial role in maintaining neighborhood standards, and legislative changes could alter how these associations function.

"It’s important for homeowners to stay informed and get involved," Archambault urged. "Your HOA impacts your daily life, from property upkeep to financial planning. Legislative changes can have long-term effects, and engagement in advocacy efforts like Rally Day helps protect your community’s interests."

How to Get Involved

Homeowners, community managers, and board members who want to stay informed or take action can contact TLAC or CAI Houston for resources and advocacy opportunities. For more information, reach out to Jesus Azanza at JAzanza@caihouston.org.

With a legislative landscape that continues to evolve, active participation in discussions about community association governance is more important than ever. By advocating for balanced policies, Texas residents can help ensure that HOAs and POAs remain effective in preserving property values and community integrity.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.