Relating to the applicability of prohibitions on municipal or county regulations on the rental or leasing of housing accommodations.

HB 697 amends Texas law to clarify that local governments can enforce ordinances prohibiting landlords from refusing to rent based on a tenant's lawful income source. Specifically, it exempts city or county rules that ban discrimination against military veterans, seniors aged 62+, or people with disabilities (as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act) due to their income. The bill ensures these protections remain enforceable despite broader state restrictions on municipal housing regulations. It takes effect on September 1, 2025.