Interim Hearing | Housing Affordability & Local Government Fees
Event Details
The Texas Senate Committee on Local Government will hold an interim hearing on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Room E1.016 of the Texas Capitol.
The committee will examine efforts to remove barriers to housing affordability in Texas, including implementation of Senate Bill 15 (SB 15), Senate Bill 840 (SB 840), and Senate Bill 2477 (SB 2477) passed during the 89th Legislature (2025), as well as Senate Bill 2038 (SB 2038) from the 88th Legislature (2023). Senators will consider recommendations to further strengthen private property rights as Texas confronts housing affordability challenges.
Lawmakers will also examine fees imposed by local governments, including utility connection charges, permit and inspection fees, and drainage or stormwater improvement fees. The committee will evaluate whether these fees are subject to adequate financial transparency requirements, whether independent audits should be required, and whether fee revenues are being used solely for their intended public purposes.
The committee notice specifies that invited testimony only will be heard.
