In addition to RECA’s work at the local and regional levels, RECA works to advance our members’ interests at the Texas Capitol during legislative sessions. We work with members across both political parties and across the state to make our members’ voices heard and work toward making Texas the most commercial real estate-friendly state it can be. For questions about RECA’s involvement at the Legislature, please contact Alina Carnahan, RECA VP of Advocacy.
89th Legislature (2025)
The Legislature has signaled a strong interest in addressing housing affordability this session, and RECA is well-positioned as a go-to resource on behalf of the development community. RECA has testified on several housing and development bills already, and will continue to advise legislators on the importance of the commercial real estate industry.
RECA's legislative priorities fit into 4 main buckets that highlight our focus on protecting Texas’ business-friendly reputation, investing in infrastructure, and improving land-use regulations that support the development of diverse housing options.
RECA is tracking bills that affect Central Texas and the commercial real estate industry as they are filed. The below bill tracker lists bills RECA is following. A bill's presence on the tracker does not indicate our position on the bill, simply that RECA is monitoring the bill.
For questions about legislative priorities or tracked bills, please contact Alina Carnahan, RECA VP of Advocacy.
88th Legislature (2023)
During the 88th Legislative Session RECA’s advocacy focused on housing affordability issues, reducing unnecessary red tape, and easing the permitting process. Our efforts at the state Capitol led to historic land use changes in the City of Austin including major reductions to Compatibility, a founding issue of RECA.
In addition to working towards the passage of RECA priority legislation, RECA closely monitored nearly 800 bills, advocating for the passage of bills which would improve the commercial real estate landscape in Central Texas, as well as advocating for defeat of other bills that would have been detrimental to the industry.
87th Legislature (2021)
During the 87th legislative session (2021), RECA’s advocacy was central to the passage of SB 1585 and HB 1475. Both bills passed by overwhelming margins.
SB 1585 protected property owners by ensuring that if their property was being included in a historic district against their will, the historic commission must have a supermajority vote in favor of the designation.
HB 1475 expanded the definition of “hardship” for Board of Adjustment variances to allow municipalities more flexibility in granting variances.
In addition to working towards the passage of RECA priority legislation, RECA closely monitored nearly 800 bills, advocating for the passage of bills which would improve the commercial real estate landscape in Central Texas, as well as advocating for defeat of other bills that would have been detrimental to the industry.
86th Legislature (2019)
At the 86th legislative session (2019), RECA was instrumental in the passage of HB 2496 and HB 2497.
HB 2496 ensured that property owners whose property was being zoned as historic against their will would need to get a supermajority of the historic commission’s vote to be designated as historic. HB 2497 improved clarity for individuals who brought their property to the Board of Adjustment for an appeal by limiting who can file an appeal to those who have a vested interest in the property.
