Overall Vote Recommendation

Yes

Principle Criteria

Free Enterprise

Property Rights

Personal Responsibility

Limited Government

Individual Liberty

Digest

SB 929 proposes amendments to the Texas Property Code to clarify deadlines and priority rules for mechanic’s, contractor’s, and materialman’s liens. The bill revises Section 53.003(e) to ensure that if a deadline to provide notice or take required action falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the period is automatically extended to the next business day. This change aims to eliminate ambiguity and ensure fairness in lien enforcement.

Additionally, SB 929 modifies Section 53.124(e) to clarify the inception and priority of certain mechanic’s liens. Under the new language, liens created under Section 53.021(3), (4), or (5) will be considered effective from the date the affidavit of lien is recorded rather than previous statutory references. This change ensures that lien priority is clearly defined and consistently applied, reducing disputes over timing and enforcement.

The committee substitute does not significantly change the substance of SB 929 but may provide clarifications and refinements for better statutory consistency. The bill’s primary impact—clarifying lien deadlines and establishing lien inception rules based on recording date—remains unchanged.

Author

Nathan Johnson

Contact the Author

Sen. Nathan Johnson

Capitol Phone:

(512) 463-0116

Capitol Office:

CAP 4E.2

E-Mail:

[email protected]

Visit Official Website

Fiscal Notes

The Legislative Budget Board (LBB) has determined that SB 929 will not have a significant fiscal impact on the State of Texas. The bill's provisions regarding mechanic’s, contractor’s, and materialman’s liens do not introduce new regulatory frameworks or impose substantial administrative costs. Any costs associated with implementing the changes outlined in the bill are expected to be minimal and can be absorbed within existing state resources.

Additionally, no significant fiscal implications are anticipated for local governments. The bill does not mandate new enforcement mechanisms or require municipalities, counties, or other local entities to expend additional funds. Since the changes primarily focus on clarifying lien deadlines and priorities, they are unlikely to create an administrative burden on local government offices that handle lien records or disputes.

In summary, SB 929 is fiscally neutral and will not require new appropriations or additional taxpayer funding at either the state or local levels.

Vote Recommendation Notes

SB 929 improves the mechanic’s, contractor’s, and materialman’s lien process by clarifying deadline calculations and standardizing lien inception rules under Chapter 53 of the Texas Property Code. Specifically, it ensures that if a deadline falls on a weekend or legal holiday, it is automatically extended to the next business day. Additionally, the bill aligns lien priority rules by confirming that a lien’s inception date is the date of recording the affidavit of lien.

SB 929 removes unnecessary legal hurdles, protects businesses and property owners, and clarifies lien deadlines without expanding government authority. There are clear benefits to economic activity and property rights; as such, Texas Policy Research recommends a YES vote by lawmakers.

View Bill Text and Status