Tex. Prop. Code Ann. §§ 301.001–301.171 § 301.131
ATTORNEY GENERAL ACTION FOR ENFORCEMENT.
Operative Text
Sec. 301.131. ATTORNEY GENERAL ACTION FOR ENFORCEMENT. (a) If a timely election is made under Section 301.093, the commission shall authorize and not later than the 30th day after the date the election is made the attorney general shall file in a district court a civil action seeking relief on behalf of the aggrieved person.(b) Venue for an action is in the county in which the alleged discriminatory housing practice occurred or is about to occur.(c) An aggrieved person may intervene in the action.(d) If the court finds that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred or is about to occur, the court may grant as relief any relief that a court may grant in a civil action under Subchapter H.(e) If monetary relief is sought for the benefit of an aggrieved person who does not intervene in the civil action, the court may not award the monetary relief if that aggrieved person has not complied with discovery orders entered by the court. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 40, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Under Tex. Prop. Code § 301.131, when an aggrieved person makes a timely election under Section 301.093, the Texas Attorney General is authorized and required to file a civil lawsuit in district court on that person's behalf within 30 days. The lawsuit must be filed in the county where the alleged discriminatory housing practice occurred or is about to occur. If a court finds that a discriminatory housing practice has taken place or is imminent, it may award the same range of relief available under Subchapter H, though monetary awards for non-intervening parties can be withheld if those parties fail to comply with court-ordered discovery.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to a complaint under Tex. Prop. Code § 301.131 should be aware that the Texas Attorney General can initiate civil litigation in district court on behalf of a complainant within a strict 30-day window following a timely election. Operators who maintain thorough, consistent records of their housing practices and decisions are generally better positioned to respond to discovery requests and court proceedings. Understanding that the full range of civil remedies available under Subchapter H may be at stake underscores the importance of documented, nondiscriminatory policies across all aspects of housing operations.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Tex. Prop. Code § 301.131, a person who believes they have experienced discriminatory housing practices may, after making a timely election under Section 301.093, have the Texas Attorney General file a civil action in district court on their behalf. Aggrieved persons also have the right to intervene directly in that action, which can affect their eligibility for any monetary relief the court might award. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services can help individuals understand the election process, the intervention option, and the discovery obligations that apply when monetary relief is sought.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 28, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
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Rules and statutes that cite this regulation