THE HOME BUILDER
April 2023
Page Two
The HomeFront Government Affairs News and Info
David Lehde Director of Government Affairs Dallas BA Tells State Legislators to Protect Texas Housing The Dallas Builders Association
home builders who provide a strong written warranty have further protec- tion from frivolous lawsuits. Dallas BA also asked state legislators to sup- port legislation that ensures municipal and county development inspection fees are calculated in a manner con- sistent with the Texas Constitution and another that provides changes to the current building permit approval process timeline statute to protect homeowners from costly delays. Just as important was the As- sociation’s request that legislators op- pose efforts that will negatively affect housing affordability and attainability through restrictive, unnecessary, and burdensome land-use and housing policies that would be an overreach by government. Rally Day participants had the opportunity to attend the opening of Rally Day on the Capitol steps and hear comments from Texas Land Com- missioner Dawn Buckingham. Dallas BA was also joined by the Greater Fort Worth Builders Association for some lunch and fellowship before heading into the afternoon’s meetings. A special thanks to our Dallas BA Rally Day Partners, listed below. Thank you to all of our members who participated in Rally Day. Advocacy Efforts Here in the Region Along with the mad dash to get needed legislation passed in Austin, is
the hectic municipal election season that Dallas BA has been monitoring even before filing deadlines earlier in the winter. There are multiple key races for city council seats where our industry needs to weigh in. From Dallas to Den- ton to Collin County and elsewhere, elections will happen in early May that will impact how local regulations are
decided on home building.
journeyed to Austin and the Texas Capitol on March 29 as part of the Association’s Rally Day. Joining other HBAs from around the state, the message to our Texas Legislators was clear; Protect Texas Housing. The Dallas BA service area includes the districts of a quarter of the members of the Texas Senate and one-fifth of the Texas House. As priority bills of the Texas Association of Builders (TAB) and the Dallas BA have recently begun hearings, includ- ing two on Rally Day, the show of eco- nomic strength our members provided was as important as ever. Association members and staff made the Representatives and Sena- tors aware that as Texas experiences unprecedented growth, the demand for housing at a price that families can afford must be considered by policy makers. And the economic benefits that new home construction and re- modeling brings to the state cannot be ignored. Homebuilding provides $71.5 billion and 758,000 jobs in Texas annually. Several needed pieces of legisla- tion were the centerpiece of Rally Day conversations. Legislators were made aware of needed updates and reform to the Residential Construction Liability Act and the Statute of Repose so that construction defect disputes can be resolved, costly litigation avoided, and
Members who have not done so already, can participate in the advocacy process via participation in HOMEPAC of Greater Dallas, the non-partisan action committee made up of Dallas BA members. Members with questions can con- tact the Director of Government Affairs at David.Lehde@DallasBuilders.com.
The Home Builder is published monthly by the Dallas Builders Association at 5816 W. Plano Pkwy., Plano, Texas 75093. Telephone 972-931-4840. BARCIE VILCHES, Editor
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