HB 10 creates a legal defense for individuals who were victims of human trafficking or forced prostitution and face criminal charges for acts they committed under coercion. It allows defendants to argue that they engaged in the charged conduct solely because they were subjected to force, fraud, or coercion by traffickers, as defined in Texas law. To qualify, the defendant must show the coercion was necessary to engage in the conduct, would have compelled a reasonable person in their situation, and they weren't merely offered an opportunity without coercion. This defense applies only to offenses committed on or after the bill's effective date, which is 91 days after the legislative session ends.
HB 248 requires all commercial campgrounds in Texas to obtain emergency safety certification by developing and submitting an approved emergency preparedness plan to the Texas Division of Emergency Management. The plan must mandate that each cabin include communication devices (like satellite equipment or radios) for emergencies without relying on cell towers or landlines, and post clear evacuation procedures at cabin entrances. Campground operators who fail to comply face a $1,000 civil penalty per violation, with each day of non-compliance counted as a separate offense. The Texas Division of Emergency Management will establish the certification program and set specific rules for plan approval by March 1, 2026.
HB 246 defines "brine minerals" (including bromine, lithium, magnesium, and sodium chloride) and establishes that landowners own these minerals beneath their property as real property, responsible for protecting other owners' rights. It amends the Water Code to define "brine" as subterranean liquids containing these minerals (excluding groundwater, oil, gas, and oil/gas waste) and creates a new reporting requirement for operators of brine mining wells and injection wells. The bill directly affects landowners, mineral extraction companies, and the Railroad Commission, which must adopt rules to regulate brine mining operations. This defines ownership and regulatory frameworks for brine mineral production without creating new financial programs or subsidies.
SB 61 allows indigent parents facing government lawsuits seeking termination of parental rights or custody appointments to select their own court-appointed lawyer instead of relying solely on court selection. The bill requires the chosen attorney to be licensed in Texas, in good standing with the State Bar, and meet continuing education requirements. Parents can select an attorney without court interference, and the court must accept the selection as long as the attorney meets these basic qualifications. This applies specifically to cases where the government sues to end parental rights or appoint a guardian, directly affecting indigent parents opposing such actions.
HB 245 amends Texas law to clarify and expand the definition of "authorized emergency vehicle" in the Transportation Code. The bill adds specific categories, including municipal/county emergency vehicles (like fire or police cars), ambulances operating under state licenses, volunteer firefighter vehicles during emergencies, industrial emergency response vehicles meeting historical safety standards, blood bank delivery vehicles, and federal law enforcement vehicles. These changes directly affect emergency service providers, municipalities, counties, and private responders by defining which vehicles qualify for emergency vehicle privileges like traffic exemptions. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026.
HJR 31 proposes a constitutional amendment to exempt the entire market value of a primary residence from property tax for two groups: homeowners aged 72 or older who have held this exemption for at least 10 years, and surviving spouses (if they were 55 or older when their spouse died and the home remained their primary residence). The amendment requires the legislature to develop a plan to offset revenue losses for school districts and allows continued property tax collection on homes with existing debt pledges until those debts are paid. If approved by voters in May 2026, the exemption would take effect January 1, 2027. This change would directly affect elderly homeowners and surviving spouses meeting specific age and residency criteria.
HB 253 amends governance rules for the Harris County Flood Control District, clarifying its boundaries and establishing procedures for potential expansion. The bill states the district’s territory aligns with Harris County’s boundaries unless modified by specific legal processes. It requires the district to hold an election by September 1, 2028, to determine if adjacent counties can be added to its territory. The measure focuses on administrative structure and territorial scope, directly affecting Harris County residents and future expansion decisions.
HB 251 prohibits Texas governmental entities from considering factors like race, gender, sexual orientation, or diversity programs when awarding contracts. Instead, contracts must be awarded based solely on merit-based criteria such as price, qualifications, and other non-discriminatory standards. The bill also eliminates the state's Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program, which previously provided support for certain businesses. These changes apply only to contracts entered into after the bill's effective date, leaving existing contracts unaffected.
HB 254 establishes new emergency response and safety standards for youth camps in Texas. It requires camps to avoid building permanent structures within 1,000 feet of waterways or less than 50 feet above ground, provide staff training on evacuation during severe weather, install independent weather warning systems, maintain nighttime security with qualified adults, and keep life-preserving equipment in overnight accommodations. Camp operators must also create and share detailed emergency evacuation plans online and with parents/guardians, including procedures for using safety equipment if evacuation isn't possible. These rules directly affect all youth camp operators in Texas, aiming to improve safety during floods, fires, and other severe weather events.
This bill creates a property tax exemption for Texas residents aged 72 or older who have held a homestead exemption for at least 10 consecutive years. Surviving spouses aged 55 or older who were living in the home when their spouse died (and met the exemption criteria) also qualify for the same tax exemption. The exemption applies to the full appraised value of the primary residence, eliminating property taxes on that home. The bill takes effect only if voters approve a related constitutional amendment (H.J.R. 133) in 2025.
This is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill) honoring Sarah Blakely McCrory, an 8-year-old Houston girl who died in the 2025 Texas Hill Country floods. The Texas House of Representatives passes this resolution to pay tribute to her life, share her family's grief, and extend condolences to her mother, brother, extended family, and community. It includes details of her interests (aspiring veterinarian, love of camp, leadership), family connections, and her impact on others. The resolution has no policy effect - it serves solely as a ceremonial tribute.
HCR 9 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating Charles and Margaret Semple of Midland on their 60th wedding anniversary. It has no policy provisions or impact on laws, taxes, or regulations - it simply expresses the Texas Legislature's recognition of the couple's milestone. The resolution formally extends "sincere best wishes for continued happiness" to the Semple family. As a commemorative measure, it does not affect any individuals beyond the honorees or create new legal requirements.
