Buildings in unincorporated areas of El Paso County will now need to meet new codes and standards.

The Texas Senate approved a bill by El Paso Rep. Marisa Marquez and Sen. Eliot Shapleigh.

In 2003, the Legislature exempted certain border counties, including El Paso, from building code requirements applicable in other parts of the state.

El Paso lawmakers said the bill is important in stopping the spread of colonias, which have a history of substandard housing.