The goal of the new legislation is to help drive down the cost of housing so that more Texans can afford homes.

Senate Bill 15 would authorize property owners in large Texas cities to construct single-family homes on lots as small as 1,400 square feet without approval from local officials.

Policy experts say housing affordability in Texas is nearing a crisis. According to the Texas Comptroller, 320,000 housing units are needed to accommodate the current population and anticipated growth ...