House approves bill that shortens eviction timelines, drawing divided floor debate

The Texas House on Saturday approved legislation amending state eviction procedures that drew sharp floor debate from lawmakers representing both landlords and tenants.

Sen. Bettencourt’s measure, carried in the House by Rep. Button, revises certain eviction timelines and related procedures. Supporters said the bill updates long‑standing rules and provides clarity for property owners and managers. “We tried to streamline the process,” Rep. Button said during her floor remarks.

Opponents said the bill would make it easier to remove tenants quickly and could increase the risk of homelessness. Rep. Goodwin, a former property manager, urged the House not to “expedite the process for removing someone from their home,” arguing that existing timelines allow time for assistance programs to intervene. Rep. Gonzalez warned the House that the bill “falls short from being the balanced legislation that our state deserves” and urged colleagues to consider the bill’s effect on renters across Texas.

Button rejected proposals to extend the notice period to seven days during the debate; she noted the three‑day notice in the statute has existed for decades and said the bill was meant to streamline operations.

The House approved the bill on a recorded vote. Supporters argued the measure clarifies burdens on owners and managers and keeps existing local‑court safeguards; critics said the change should have included additional tenant protections or funding for housing assistance.

Rep. Button closed by moving final passage. The floor tally recorded that SB 38 passed with 85 ayes and 44 nays.