BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2076

By: Neave

Business & Industry

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been reported that apartment complexes increasingly require electronic payment of rent, which presents a difficulty for tenants who may not have access to a computer or bank account and often involves additional processing fees. H.B. 2076 seeks to remedy these issues by requiring a landlord to accept at least one method of payment other than cash for which the landlord does not charge or collect a service charge.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 2076 amends the Property Code to require a landlord to permit a residential tenant to pay rent or a security deposit by at least one method other than cash for which the landlord does not charge or collect a service charge.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.