Relating to municipal regulation of multifamily and mixed-use development on religious land.

SB 854 would require Texas municipalities to permit multifamily housing (three or more dwelling units) and mixed-use developments (with at least 50% residential space tied to a religious organization's mission) on religious land. It prohibits cities from demanding additional zoning approvals, variances, or special permits for such projects on properties owned by or leased long-term to religious organizations. The bill excludes religious land within a quarter mile of heavy industrial sites, airports, seaports, or military bases. This legislation, which passed committee with a 5-1 adverse vote and did not advance further, aims to streamline housing development on religious properties by limiting municipal regulatory barriers.