Chickens Win Big: A New Texas Law Would Block HOA Bans in 2025

While most people in Texas are looking at some of the more controversial pieces of legislation being debated this year, chickens have silently won a battle for freedom in the Lone Star State.

Chickens Are Fighting For Freedom In Texas

One piece of legislation you may not have heard about this year in Texas is HB 2013. House Bill 2013 tackles the tricky subject of chickens and your friendly neighborhood HOA.

HB 2013, if it becomes law, would protect your right to have a backyard chicken from your pesky HOA. If they're allowed by the city you live in, your HOA wouldn't be able to stop you.

The Texas Bill That Would Make Chickens Safe From HOAs

This bill has passed the House and is now in the Texas Senate. In the House, it passed overwhelmingly. We'll have to wait and see if the Texas Senators are as excited about chicken freedom.

HB 2013 isn't without its detractors. While many Texans are calling this a win for homeowners' freedom, those against the bill have a long list of complaints.

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First, they claim there is a safety issue. According to the opponents of the bill, if we start bringing more poultry into neighborhoods, we create an opportunity for predatory animals to show up looking for a meal.

They also cite concerns with property value. Opponents of HB 2013 say that backyard poultry could lower property values because of the sounds, smells, and sights that come with having chickens in your backyard.

There are several more concerns some people have with the bill, but none of them were enough to keep it from passing the House.

Will Texas Protect Backyard Chickens In 2025

There are some benefits to having backyard chickens. The biggest benefit is getting fresh eggs by stepping out of your back door instead of going to the grocery store.

I've lived next to someone who had a coop in their backyard. The only part that was a major bummer was the stupid rooster crowing at the strangest times. I hardly noticed the chickens at all.

We'll have to wait and see if 2025 is the year that backyard chickens score a major victory in Texas.