HB 267 requires Texas public school districts to include in the health curriculum for K-12 students the statement that "human life begins at conception and has inherent dignity and immeasurable worth from the moment of conception." This instruction must be part of the health curriculum's enrichment component, which also covers topics like nutrition, mental health, and suicide prevention. The requirement will take effect for the 2026-2027 school year.
This bill proposes changing the Texas Constitution to require only a majority (not two-thirds) of members in the Senate or House to form a quorum for legislative business. Currently, two-thirds of members are needed to meet quorum, but this amendment would lower that threshold to a simple majority. If approved by voters in the May 2026 election, it would alter how Texas legislators convene and conduct official business. The change directly affects all Texas state senators and representatives in determining when legislative sessions can legally proceed.
HB 263 allows the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to issue emergency or temporary orders for debris disposal or controlled burning after weather emergencies, based solely on a county judge's request - without requiring a declared state of disaster. It directly affects county judges (who can request these orders) and the TCEQ (which must act promptly). The bill adds Section 5.517 to the Water Code, overriding normal procedural requirements (Section 5.502) for such requests. This streamlines debris management following weather events, applying to emergencies occurring before, during, or after the bill's effective date.
This bill amends Texas law to criminalize a noncustodial parent knowingly enticing or persuading a child under 18 to leave the custody of the custodial parent or guardian. It classifies this offense as a Class C misdemeanor (fined $500) but elevates it to a state jail felony if the parent has two prior similar convictions or entices the child to leave the state. The law applies only to offenses committed on or after the bill's effective date, not to past actions. It directly affects noncustodial parents who interfere with established custody arrangements.
HB 265 creates a temporary joint committee (composed of five House members and five Senators) to study how to replace local property tax revenue if ad valorem taxes (commonly called property taxes) are eliminated. The committee must examine alternative tax methods, assess how political subdivisions (like cities and counties) could implement them, and determine if revenue redistribution would be needed to address disparities. It must report its findings and recommendations to the legislature by November 1, 2026, and the committee will dissolve on January 1, 2027. The bill does not eliminate property taxes itself but sets up a structured study to evaluate the feasibility of such a change.
HB 270 requires social media platforms to display warnings on posts soliciting disaster-related donations, informing users about potential scams and encouraging source verification. It creates a state certification program for disaster relief organizations through the Attorney General's office, allowing them to apply for official recognition. The bill also authorizes the Texas Division of Emergency Management to access criminal history records for individuals registering as disaster volunteers. These provisions directly affect social media platforms, disaster relief organizations, and volunteer registrants in Texas.
SB 63 creates a sales and use tax exemption for unprocessed sand, dirt, and gravel used in manufacturing hydrocarbons (such as oil and gas products). The exemption applies only when these materials undergo basic handling activities - like gathering, sorting, or washing - without undergoing chemical changes. This directly benefits oil and gas manufacturers by reducing their tax burden on these specific raw materials. The bill amends Texas Tax Code Section 151.318(b) to include these materials under existing manufacturing tax exemptions.
HJR 33 proposes a constitutional amendment to create a "property tax reduction fund" that would use surplus state sales tax revenue to lower school district property taxes. The fund would receive 60% of annual sales tax revenue exceeding a growth limit for state spending, with all funds required to reduce school district property taxes. Any surplus beyond school tax reductions could be used by the legislature to lower other state taxes. This amendment must be approved by voters in a May 2026 election and would take effect for the 2027 fiscal biennium.
This bill prohibits registered lobbyists from representing local government entities that impose taxes, members of those entities' governing bodies, or nonprofit organizations that primarily advocate for such entities. The restriction applies only to new contracts entered into after the bill takes effect. The law will become effective 91 days following the end of the legislative session. This change directly affects lobbyists seeking to work with specific government and advocacy groups.
HB 271 requires Texas youth camp operators to create and maintain written emergency operations plans covering specific scenarios like natural disasters, lost campers, fires, medical emergencies, and aquatic incidents. The bill mandates that these plans include clear procedures for campers, staff, and volunteers to follow during emergencies, such as sheltering, evacuation, and communication protocols. Camp operators must annually review and update their plans to ensure they remain effective. This law directly affects all youth camp operators in Texas by establishing concrete safety requirements for emergency preparedness.
HB 269 requires campground entities (owners/operators of campgrounds) to obtain approval from the Texas Division of Emergency Management before constructing or expanding any campground or campground structure within a floodway (an area at high risk of flooding, as defined by federal flood maps). This applies to new construction or expansions starting March 1, 2026, mandating that entities submit detailed plans for review. Approval is required only if plans minimize flooding, ensure safe evacuation routes, provide access for emergency responders, and meet additional division rules. The bill also authorizes administrative penalties for violations and allows affected individuals to file private lawsuits.
SB 66 allows local areas within Texas regional transportation authorities to allocate up to 25% of their annual sales tax revenue toward local transportation projects. This includes building/maintaining sidewalks, trails, roads, streetlights, traffic signals, and drainage improvements related to transportation infrastructure. Funds are distributed with 50% available at the start of the fiscal year and 50% on a reimbursement basis by year-end. Unused funds must be used to pay down debt secured by a 1% sales tax rate. The bill directly affects local governments participating in regional transportation authorities that manage these tax revenues.
