OP / ED
CARTER MALLORY TEXAS A&M STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT
KATHLEEN PARKS TEXAS A&M STUDENT BODY VICE PRESIDENT
ABBY MYERS
TEXAS STATE STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT
LANDON SELF
BAYLOR STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT
Dear Governor Abbott,
As Governor, we understand your commitment and dedication to serve the people of our state, and view this as an opportunity to further serve Texas students and the future of Texas.
We write to express our strong support for SB 1567, authored by Senator Paul Bettencourt, a proud Aggie alumni, and co-authored by Senator Sarah Eckhardt, a proud Longhorn Ex. This bill was initially drafted with the assistance of Texas A&M members Ben Crockett and MyKaela Johnston, and has since received overwhelming support from students and communities statewide. SB 1567 seeks to shift the authority of home-rule municipalities to impose arbitrary occupancy limits that lack a legitimate health or safety basis, resulting in new occupancy regulations that prioritize health and safety rather than serving as a barrier to affordable housing.
During both Senate and House committee hearings on SB 1567 and its companion HB 2797, rooms were filled with students and local residents who testified passionately in favor of the bill. Their support underscores the urgent challenges created by local occupancy restrictions— most notably College Station’s ordinances that bar more than four unrelated individuals (and, in some zones, more than two) from sharing a dwelling. Similar rules in other cities have compounded a student-housing crisis, making it increasingly difficult for many to secure or afford adequate accommodation.
Countless students recounted deeply personal stories of how these ordinances have jeopardized their ability to pay rent and even remain enrolled in school. At the same time, student leaders across Texas have repeatedly engaged municipal officials to find fair, collaborative solutions. We are incredibly proud of everyone who has stepped forward to advocate for change. Unfortunately, some cities have shown little willingness to compromise or even discuss revising these ordinances, underscoring the need for state-level action.
The bill’s broad appeal is evident: SB 1567 passed the Texas Senate 30 – 1 and the House 101 – 29, demonstrating overwhelming bipartisan support and highlighting the need for a legislative solution.
Students should be focused on learning, growing, and preparing to make a difference—not on whether they can afford a roof over their heads. For these reasons, we respectfully urge you to support and sign Senate Bill 1567.
Endorsed by the Student Body Presidents of Texas A&M University, Texas State University, and Baylor University.
