Abbott Signs HB4211; Takes on Developments like ‘EPIC City’

June 26, 2025 – Governor Greg Abbott has signed House Bill 4211, a new property law aimed at limiting the legal framework of the proposed EPIC City development, taking effect immediately.

EPIC City is a proposed 402-acre Islamic-centered master-planned community initiated by the East Plano Islamic Center, located about 40 miles northeast of Dallas in Collin and Hunt counties.

The 402-acre project, initiated by the East Plano Islamic Center, plans a mix of homes, a mosque, faith-based school, community college, retail spaces, and sports and senior facilities across Collin and Hunt counties.

EPIC City is Still in the planning stage: No construction has commenced, and permit applications are pending. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality confirmed no applications have been filed.

Under the new law, developers must clearly disclose that buyers are investing in a business entity—not purchasing real property—and cannot impose resale fees or profit from secondary sales. Additionally, EPIC City and similar developments cannot claim religious exemptions, meaning they cannot sell or rent land exclusively based on religious affiliation, especially on parcels over 25 acres.

Abbott’s office emphasized that the law is designed to “crack down” on developments seeking to impose Sharia law or establish “no-go zones”.

EPIC City has faced multiple investigations—including state probes led by Abbott and a federal civil rights investigation by the DOJ, which was recently closed after developers affirmed inclusivity.

Despite controversy, EPIC City organizers maintain the project is inclusive, lawful under housing regulations, and unaffected by the new law