A bill is moving through the Texas Legislature that would make it illegal for cities or counties to protect renters from eviction.
If passed, the legislation would kill a handful of local ordinances, including one in Dallas, that give renters more time to catch on rent before losing their home.
The legislation — introduced by Rep. Shelby Slawson of Stephenville in the House, and in the Senate by Brandon Creighton of Conroe — has the backing of the Texas Apartment Association and other lobby groups and landlords. But it’s drawn the ire of tenants’ rights and anti-poverty advocates, as well as city officials who want to be able to respond to local conditions with local solutions.