Legislative & Regulatory

Texas Association of Builders (TAB) professional government relations staff work year-round to advocate legislative reforms that benefit our industry. Our experienced lobbyists monitor bills and legislative hearings that affect the building industry and work to amend or defeat measures that would adversely impact the industry.

The government relations program is nationally recognized for its innovative programs and legislative successes. Legislation endorsed by the association has been passed which resulted in significant savings to the home building industry and in turn, to the home buying public. The association has routinely defeated a long list of bills potentialy harmful to the industry.

Legislative News

Builders Can Use New Tax Credit to Help Spur Home Sales
The Texas Association of Builders is Happy to announce that last week Congress passed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. This allows first time home buyers to take a $7,500 tax credit from the purchase of a single-family home, townhome or condominium apartment. Builders can use this new tax credit to help spur new home sales. Click here to see the details of the program.

Mandatory County Code Inspections Begin September 2008
Big changes are in effect for all homebuilders and remodelers who build in the unincorporated areas of the state. As of September 1, 2008, all homes constructed in unincorporated areas, or areas not subject to municipal inspections, must undergo a minimum of three inspections to ensure building code compliance.

It is imperative that you understand the new requirements and meet the mandated inspections. These new rules apply to any construction begun after September 1, 2008 that is located in an unincorporated area or other area not subject to municipal inspections. Click here for further information.

Regulatory Affairs

The TAB staff works closely with elected state officials and regulatory agencies in the development and adoption of regulations, codes and standards for housing with the goal of creating safe, quality and common sense construction standards.