Legislation Aimed at EPIC City Under Consideration

April 30, 2025 – Representative Candy Noble (R–Lucas) has proposed legislation aimed at regulating unconventional property ownership structures. The developments, known as EPIC City and EPIC Ranches, are being marketed as exclusive Islamic enclaves, featuring not only residential housing but also a mosque, K-12 schools, a community college, retail space, and a clinic. According to developers, these amenities would be funded collectively by investors in the community.

EPIC City is a proposed Islamic enclave set to be built in a portion of neighboring Hunt County.

Rep. Noble has expressed concern about the “creatively structured” nature of these projects. In response, she introduced a bill that would add a new chapter to the Texas Property Code titled Business Entity-Owned Residential Arrangements. The legislation seeks to protect homebuyers from complex or nontraditional ownership schemes, which she argues may obscure accountability or compliance with existing housing laws. Additionally, Noble’s proposal includes the removal of certain religious exemptions in the Texas Fair Housing Act, a move that has drawn scrutiny from civil rights advocates.

The planned EPIC projects would include a mosque, K-12 schools, a community college, a clinic, and retail that would be “commonly paid for” by the investors.

While supporters argue the bill ensures transparency and fairness in housing, critics fear it could disproportionately target religious developments. As the debate unfolds, the legislation raises broader questions about religious freedom, housing regulation, and the state’s role in private community planning.