Texas AG Candidate's Bill Sparks Controversy Over Religious Housing Developments

A Republican Texas state senator running for attorney general has come under scrutiny for a bill he authored that would limit local governments' authority to block religious housing developments, including those proposed by Islamic communities. State Sen. Mayes Middleton's Senate Bill 854, introduced in January 2025, mandates that municipalities approve multifamily or mixed-use housing projects on land owned by religious institutions, effectively reducing local control over such developments.

The core tension lies in the balance between addressing Texas' housing shortage and preserving local governance, as critics argue the bill could lead to unwanted developments in their communities. Middleton has framed the legislation as a necessary measure to combat what he describes as “unnecessary governmental interference” in housing projects.

Senate Bill 854 would require local governments to approve housing projects from religious organizations, exposing them to lawsuits if they attempt to block construction. Middleton stated that the bill allows religious institutions to develop housing on their land without needing zoning changes or special approvals, which he claims unnecessarily delay projects.

Controversy Over EPIC City

The proposal has gained attention amid opposition to a planned Muslim-centric community known as EPIC City in East Plano. The project aims to create a 400-acre community featuring religious schools, a mosque, and residential homes, which has sparked significant debate among local residents. Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed concerns about the project, suggesting it could imply the establishment of “no-go zones” governed by Sharia law. “To be clear, Sharia law is not allowed in Texas,” Abbott stated in a 2025 post on X.

Supporters of the EPIC City project argue that it complies with state and local laws, including the Fair Housing Act. The Department of Justice previously investigated the development but closed the inquiry after developers agreed to adhere to federal fair housing regulations.

In response to the backlash against the proposed community, Middleton revised his bill's language, removing specific references to “mosque” while maintaining that it would still empower religious organizations to utilize their properties for housing solutions. This change appears to be an effort to mitigate public concern while preserving the bill's core intent.

Political Implications

Critics of Middleton's legislation, including Rep. Chip Roy, who is also running for attorney general, have voiced strong opposition. Roy described the bill as a means to facilitate the “Islamification of Texas” under the guise of religious liberty. He emphasized the need for experienced legal leadership in the attorney general's office, stating, “We need an accomplished attorney as Attorney General who knows how to look down the field, not someone who endangers us while trying to score cheap political points.”

Middleton did not respond to requests for comment regarding the criticisms of his bill or the implications of the EPIC City project. The lack of response from his campaign raises questions about how he plans to address the concerns of constituents who oppose the legislation.

Local Governance vs. Religious Freedom

Supporters of Senate Bill 854 argue that it empowers religious institutions to serve their communities by providing much-needed housing. They contend that the bill is a step toward alleviating Texas' housing crisis while respecting the rights of religious organizations to utilize their land for community benefit. However, opponents warn that the legislation could undermine local governance and lead to developments that do not reflect the desires of the communities they affect.

As the debate continues, the implications of Middleton's bill and the proposed EPIC City project highlight the ongoing struggle between local control and the push for religious freedom in housing development. The outcome of this legislative effort could set a precedent for how similar projects are handled in the future, potentially reshaping the landscape of community development in Texas.