Texas Senate approves electronic voting for condominium and property owner associations

The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce convened on April 10, 2025, to discuss two significant pieces of legislation aimed at improving governance and operational efficiency for property owners associations and backflow prevention professionals in Texas.

The first item on the agenda was Senate Bill 2629, which proposes amendments to the property code to allow condominium unit owners associations and property owners associations to conduct meetings and voting electronically. This change aims to align the property code with existing provisions in the Texas Business and Organizations Code that already permit electronic voting. Jeff Libersat, an attorney and expert on electronic voting, testified in support of the bill, highlighting that many associations have hesitated to adopt electronic meetings due to ambiguities in their governing documents. He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had demonstrated the feasibility of virtual meetings, emphasizing the need for clearer regulations to enhance participation for property owners who may not be able to attend in person.

Senator Creighton, a proponent of the bill, reiterated the importance of providing property owners with the ability to vote electronically, particularly for annual and special meetings. He acknowledged concerns about maintaining in-person voting for certain elections but stressed that the bill would harmonize existing laws to facilitate greater access for members of property associations.

Following the discussion on Senate Bill 2629, the committee turned its attention to Senate Bill 2702, also introduced by Senator Creighton. This bill seeks to simplify licensing requirements for professionals testing backflow prevention assemblies by allowing individuals with nationally recognized certifications to bypass the need for a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) license. Senator Creighton explained that this change would streamline the process and encourage more qualified professionals to enter the workforce, thereby enhancing public health by ensuring clean water supplies.

The committee did not take immediate action on either bill, leaving Senate Bill 2629 pending for further consideration. Public testimony was closed after the discussions, with no additional witnesses coming forward to provide input on the proposed legislation. The committee's next steps will likely involve further deliberation on the implications of these bills for property owners and public health in Texas.