Bill Caption

Relating to the regulation of food production on single-family residential lots by a municipality or property owners' association.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated

Bill Analysis

HB 1686 would limit property owners associations and municipalities ability to ban and regulate the growing of fruits and vegetables and the keeping of various animals such as chickens, rabbits, and bees. 

HB 1686 would allow property owners associations and municipalities to impose regulations for fruits and vegetables that are located on a single family residential lot that does not ban the growing of fruits and vegetables.

HB 1686 would also allow property owners associations and municipalities to impose regulations of fowl and rabbits on single family residential lots relating to noise, safety, sanitation, and odor that do not ban fowls or rabbits.

Vote Recommendation Notes

On the one hand this bill supports property rights by limiting municipal regulation on food production on private property. On the other hand the bill would interfere in private contracts by adding new prohibitions on property owners' associations which are not units of government and should not be subject to regulation as such. For these reasons Texas Action is neutral on HB 1686.