Texas Bills

HJR 33 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a Texas Redistricting Commission responsible for redrawing congressional district lines after each U.S. census. The commission, composed of the Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, Attorney General, Comptroller, and Land Commissioner, would act if the legislature fails to pass redistricting plans within 90 days of the census. The commission must finalize district boundaries within 60 days of assembling, requiring signatures from at least three members, with the plan taking effect at the next statewide election. This bill directly affects how Texas congressional districts are redrawn, shifting authority from the legislature to the commission under specified timelines.

HJR 34 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Texas to expand Medicaid eligibility to all individuals who apply and qualify under federal matching funds provided by the Affordable Care Act. If approved by voters, the state would be obligated to cover these individuals starting January 1, 2026, using available federal funds. The amendment includes a temporary provision making it effective for one year (through January 1, 2027) and requires voter approval in the November 2025 election. This would directly affect low-income Texans currently excluded from Medicaid due to Texas's existing eligibility limits.

HB 286 requires the Texas Water Development Board to study flood risks and potential solutions in the upper Guadalupe River basin, directly affecting residents and infrastructure in that area. The study must quantify flood risks to life and property, assess mitigation projects (like dams or drainage systems), and develop hydraulic models using existing data and the July 4, 2025 weather event. The Board must gather community input, score projects based on cost-benefit analysis and feedback, and propose up to eight projects by January 2029 - with at least half identified by local entities like Kerr County and Kerrville. The bill does not fund projects but creates a framework for future flood mitigation planning.

HB 283 would require Texas to expand Medicaid eligibility to all low-income adults who qualify under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA), starting January 1, 2026, if a related constitutional amendment passes. It mandates that Texas provide Medicaid coverage to all applicants meeting federal ACA criteria for which federal funds are available, without requiring state cost-sharing. The bill also requires an annual report to the legislature on how the expansion affects uninsured rates, state and local healthcare costs, and hospital charity care. This change would directly impact thousands of low-income Texans who currently lack Medicaid coverage but qualify under federal ACA guidelines. The effective date depends on voter approval of a 2025 constitutional amendment.

The bill text for HJR 35 is not currently available in the provided context, only the title and filing date (August 21, 2025) are listed. The title indicates it proposes a constitutional amendment establishing an individual's right to personal reproductive autonomy. Without access to the full bill text or specific provisions, a detailed summary of its mechanisms, affected parties, or concrete policy changes cannot be provided. The context only states that the bill is "coming soon" with a PDF reference.

HJR 32 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to create a property tax exemption for certain landowners. It would authorize exempting up to 35% of the appraised value of non-irrigated land (at least half an acre) located in designated "priority groundwater management areas." The exemption would not apply to land already covered by other appraisal laws. This change would directly affect landowners in specific groundwater regions who meet the eligibility criteria, but the actual tax relief would depend on future legislation implementing the exemption.

HB 282 creates a 35% property tax exemption for landowners in designated priority groundwater management areas who do not irrigate their land. It directly affects non-irrigated agricultural or conservation landowners in these specific groundwater zones, provided the land is at least half an acre and not subject to other appraisal rules. The exemption applies to 35% of the land's appraised value if it meets all four criteria: located in a priority groundwater area, minimum size, not irrigated, and not covered by other appraisal categories. This change reduces property tax burdens for qualifying landowners without requiring annual reapplication, though the chief appraiser may request updated verification.

HB 287 restricts local governments (like cities or counties) from acquiring real property outside their own county boundaries for water-related projects. Specifically, it prohibits political subdivisions from using any method - such as purchase, eminent domain, or lease - to obtain land outside their county for taking or transporting water. This bill amends Texas Local Government Code Section 271.909 to clarify that such acquisitions are generally not permitted unless explicitly allowed by other laws. The bill does not create new water infrastructure but limits existing authority for cross-county land acquisition for water systems. It takes effect 91 days after the legislative session ends.

HB 281 establishes a statewide system for coordinating mental health services during disasters. It requires the Health and Human Services Commission to designate staff to work with emergency management, manage federal crisis counseling grants, maintain a registry of mental health professionals, and provide technical assistance to local authorities. Local mental health authorities must include disaster behavioral health plans in their emergency preparations, track personnel, and identify vulnerable groups like children, elderly residents, and individuals with disabilities. The bill mandates deployment of services within 72 hours of a disaster declaration and specifies services including crisis counseling, referrals, and support for first responders. It directly affects state agencies, local mental health authorities, and disaster-affected communities across Texas.

HB 193 would require Texas groundwater conservation districts to limit new water permits so that total groundwater use (including unpermitted "exempt" use) does not exceed the scientifically modeled available groundwater volume. It directly affects districts issuing permits and individuals/businesses seeking to pump groundwater. The key provision amends the Water Code to mandate districts consider all water use together when setting permit limits, preventing permits from hindering long-term water sustainability goals. The bill is currently pending in the Natural Resources Committee after being filed on August 18, 2025.

HB 285 provides a $10,000 annual pay increase for full-time state employees (including university staff) during the 2025-2027 state fiscal biennium. Part-time employees receive a proportional increase based on their hours worked relative to full-time hours, calculated as (their hours ÷ full-time hours) × $10,000. The bill explicitly excludes legislators, board members, and other governing body members who receive per diem instead of salary. It takes effect 91 days after the legislative session concludes. This policy directly affects all eligible state agency and higher education employees through a fixed salary adjustment.

Based on the provided context, HB 284's full text is unavailable ("This version is not currently available, but is coming soon"). The title indicates it relates to providing a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for certain benefits paid by the Employees Retirement System of Texas. The bill was filed on August 21, 2025, but no specific provisions, affected groups, or implementation details are included in the available information. Without access to the bill's text or summary, a detailed policy explanation cannot be provided.