Texas Housers is tracking several housing bills at the 2025 Texas Legislature, some good and some bad. However, one piece of proposed legislation, HB 32 and its companion SB 38, seeks to dramatically expedite and overhaul the eviction process as we know it.
To learn more on how these bills would restrict tenants’ ability to defend themselves, remain safely housed, or even have a fair day in court, Mark Melton from the Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center joins A Little Louder to detail exactly what this bill proposes. We also get into how this bill was erronously marketed as a “squatter” bill, and how everyday people can learn more about active legislation and act accordingly.
Useful links for learning about the Texas Legislature:
- Texas Legislature Online (TLO) – Official source of up-to-date information on bills, hearings, and other aspects of the legislative process
- How to navigate TLO (Parts 1, 2, 3, 4), by Representative Gina Hinojosa
- Who represents me?, Texas Legislature Online – How to identify your elected officials
- Legislative process
- Short version (visualization), the Texas Politics Project, University of Texas
- Long version (document), Texas Legislative Council
- Narrative version (FAQ), Texas Tribune
- Important dates, Texas Legislative Council
As always, you can listen to “Episode 73: Breaking down HB 32 and SB 38 aka the Eviction Bill” below or wherever you get your podcasts.
