Action Center: South Central Region

The action center is where information about legislative actions around the country are gathered and posted for the benefit of all members. If you have any information to add here to the South Central Region (Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana), e-mail govtaffairschair@narpm.org.

Farmers Branch Rental Ordinance Struck Down

A federal judge has ruled that a Farmers Branch ordinance banning illegal immigrants from renting apartments is unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Jane J. Boyle of Dallas ruled Wednesday that the ordinance was an attempt to enforce U.S. immigration laws, something only the federal government can do. The ordinance established a licensing system for renters in Farmers Branch. Renters would be required to pay a $5 fee and obtain a residential occupancy license issued by the city's building inspector. Under the system, the building inspector would verify a renter's immigration status with federal officials if the renter did not declare him or herself a citizen or national of the United States. The city would revoke the licenses of people the federal government said were in the country illegally. Click here to access the full story from NBC-DFW.

posted 03.26.10

Texas Legislative Network

In Texas, we are making a little progress in building a legislative network. We first sent a solicitation to all San Antonio members to submit their “pet peeves” that might be fixed by statutory changes. Didn’t get a lot of fresh ideas, but had a few of our own. With help from some friendly lawyers, we drafted an initial working list. A few senior statewide names were added to the distribution list and several of the “big boys” asked to be added to the distribution list. Mark Kreditor, MPM® RMP®, widely respected in Texas property management circles, has helped and recommended that the distribution list statewide. In short, it seems to be taking off. Attributed to: Pat Patton of San Antonio, TX Chapter