Regular Session
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
SB1844 empowers property owners to force disannexation from municipalities that fail to provide promised utilities or services, effective September 1, 2025. This legislation shifts standing from voters to owners, mandates expedited court proceedings, and requires the award of attorney’s fees to successful petitioners, creating a viable, low-risk pathway for businesses to exit non-compliant municipal jurisdictions.
Sen. Angela Paxton·Senate Bill·Regular Session
District Courts (County level) • Municipal Governing Bodies (Petition recipients)
This legislation has regulatory implications for the following Texas businesses and organizations:
Notable regulatory updates (effective 2025-09-01). Consider how these changes may affect your operations.
Affected business types:
lowMinimal cost impact anticipated.
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JD Key Consulting provides strategic guidance on Texas regulatory compliance and legislative impact for your business.
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
JD Key Consulting specializes in Texas regulatory compliance strategy. Work directly with James Dickey—former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas—to understand this bill's impact on your operations and develop an actionable compliance plan.
Schedule a ConsultationInformation presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
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Common questions about SB1844
SB1844 empowers property owners to force disannexation from municipalities that fail to provide promised utilities or services, effective September 1, 2025. This legislation shifts standing from voters to owners, mandates expedited court proceedings, and requires the award of attorney’s fees to successful petitioners, creating a viable, low-risk pathway for businesses to exit non-compliant municipal jurisdictions.
SB1844 was authored by Texas Senator Angela Paxton during the Regular Session.
SB1844 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 28, 2025.
SB1844 is enforced by District Courts (County level) and Municipal Governing Bodies (Petition recipients).
The regulatory priority for SB1844 is rated as "moderate". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
The cost impact of SB1844 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
SB1844 addresses topics including city government, city government--annexation, special districts & authorities, special districts & authorities--navigation & ports and utilities.
Key dates for SB1844: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
SB1844 establishes the following penalties: civil penalty of Award of attorney's fees to petitioners for Municipality fails to disannex a validly petitioned area where services were not provided, requiring court intervention.. Consult with legal counsel for specific applicability to your situation.
SB1844 primarily affects utility companies and energy providers. These businesses should review the legislation with their legal and compliance teams to understand potential impacts.
JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.
