According to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB), no fiscal impact to the State of Texas is anticipated as a result of HB 2013. The bill's provisions, which prevent property owners' associations from prohibiting homeowners from keeping chickens if permitted by municipal ordinances, do not require any new state programs, enforcement mechanisms, or administrative oversight that would incur state costs.

Similarly, the bill is expected to have no fiscal implications for units of local government. Since HB 2013 merely limits private association authority and defers to existing municipal ordinances regarding backyard poultry, it does not impose any new mandates, compliance obligations, or costs on cities, counties, or other local entities. Municipal governments would continue to regulate chicken-keeping based on their current ordinances without any additional financial or administrative burden.

In summary, HB 2013 is fiscally neutral at both the state and local levels, aligning with its limited-government intent by protecting property rights without creating new government expenditures or regulatory programs.

HB 2013 strengthens individual property rights by prohibiting property owners' associations (POAs) from banning or restricting the keeping of chickens when a municipal ordinance allows it. As noted in the committee's bill analysis, many residents currently face significant procedural hurdles when attempting to amend restrictive covenants imposed by their POAs, even when their city permits backyard chickens. This bill removes an unnecessary barrier by aligning POA rules with local government ordinances, ensuring homeowners can enjoy municipal allowances without additional private restrictions.

Importantly, HB 2013 does not grow the size or scope of government. It does not create new state programs, regulatory bodies, or enforcement mechanisms. There is no fiscal impact to either the state or local governments, meaning no new burden on taxpayers. Further, the bill reduces the regulatory burden on individuals by ensuring that homeowners are only subject to municipal regulations regarding chickens and are not additionally restricted by private associations. It does not impose new requirements on businesses either.

The bill upholds and advances the principles of Individual Liberty, Private Property Rights, and Limited Government. By limiting private quasi-governmental overreach without expanding public regulation or increasing public spending, HB 2013 fully aligns with the core liberty principles that prioritize freedom, responsibility, and local governance.

As such, Texas Policy Research recommends that lawmakers vote YES on HB 2013.

• Individual Liberty: Homeowners gain more freedom to use their property in a lawful way (keeping chickens), without being blocked by a private association, even when city law allows it.
• Personal Responsibility: The bill trusts property owners to manage their chickens responsibly, following local city ordinances without extra private restrictions.
• Free Enterprise: It doesn't directly regulate businesses, but it could slightly support local agriculture-related businesses (feed stores, coop builders) by encouraging more backyard chicken-keeping.
• Private Property Rights: This is the biggest area of impact: it protects a homeowner's right to decide how they use their property, as long as they comply with municipal law.
• Limited Government: The bill does not expand state or local government. It limits the regulatory power of private, quasi-governmental bodies (POAs) without creating new government enforcement or bureaucracy.