More than 2,500 of the 8,719 bills filed during the recently concluded Texas legislative session directly affected city governments, including several with significant implications for the City of Irving.
One of the most impactful is Senate Bill 840, which requires cities with populations over 150,000 to allow multi-family housing construction — without a zoning case — in commercial, office, and warehouse zoning districts. Irving opposed the bill throughout the legislative process and requested Governor Greg Abbott to veto it. The governor signed the bill into law on June 20, 2025.
Another measure, House Bill 21, signed into law on May 28, prevents out-of-area housing finance corporations (HFCs) from purchasing properties in cities or counties and removing them from local property tax rolls. Previously, HFCs from Cameron County and Pecos purchased apartment complexes in Irving, claimed to offer affordable housing, and then exempted the properties from taxation. The city estimates a revenue loss exceeding $700,000 from these actions.
Several additional bills that were opposed by Irving but ultimately did not pass include:
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HB 19: Would have capped overall debt issues to 20% of a city’s budget and restricted the use of certificates of obligation.
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SB 673: Would have required cities to allow accessory dwelling units in all residential zones.
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HB 111: Would have restricted closed session discussions on pending litigation.
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HB 23: Would have let developers hire their own reviewers for building plans, requiring cities to issue permits based on private reviews.
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HB 4272: Would have made cities pay for utility relocation on infrastructure projects.
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SB 924: Proposed further reductions to franchise fees from telecom companies; a 2021 law had already cut some of those fees.
In a positive development, Irving will receive $2.1 million for the Campion Trail expansion, with funding included in the state budget at the request of Rep. Cassandra Garcia-Hernandez, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee.
These updates were released as part of the city’s Irving Legislative Insider initiative, aimed at educating residents about how state laws affect local governance. More information is available at IrvingTX.gov/Legislative-Affairs.
