Texas Bills

introduced · Texas · House Aug 21, 2025

HB 280: Relating to requiring river authorities to coordinate with counties in emergency preparedness planning.

HB 280 requires river authorities (like those managing water resources under Texas law) to coordinate with county emergency management programs on specific water-related emergency planning. It mandates annual collaboration on flood control, dam safety, evacuation routes, water infrastructure recovery, and other water-related hazards covered in the county's emergency plan. The bill specifies coordination activities including shared data, joint training exercises, and utilizing existing resources without requiring new funding. Both parties must work with the Texas Division of Emergency Management for technical support using current programs. This directly affects river authorities and county emergency management offices in planning for water-related disasters.

in committee · Texas · House Aug 21, 2025

HB 40: Relating to the authority of sheriffs and constables to enter into contracts to provide law enforcement services in certain counties and county financial authority in relation to sheriffs and constables in certain counties.

HB 40 allows sheriffs and constables in Texas counties with 3.3 million or more residents to contract directly with local residents, businesses, property owners' associations, or landowners to provide law enforcement services. The bill specifies these contracts must cover areas owned or managed by the contracting party and serve residents or visitors in that specific location. It prohibits county commissioners courts from blocking such agreements or dictating contract terms, giving sheriffs and constables sole authority to negotiate and finalize these arrangements. This bill applies only to large-county law enforcement entities and does not change existing county budgeting or service requirements.

introduced · Texas · Senate Aug 21, 2025

SB 49: Relating to making an appropriation to Galveston County for certain legal expenses incurred by the county.

SB 49 appropriates $5,756,567.46 from the state general revenue fund to reimburse Galveston County for legal expenses it already incurred in the federal court case *Petteway v. Galveston County* (111 F.4th 596, 5th Cir. 2024). The bill directly affects Galveston County by covering specific litigation costs related to this ongoing lawsuit. The appropriation covers the two-year period starting when the bill becomes effective. This is a straightforward reimbursement measure with no new policy provisions or broader implications.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

passed · Texas · House Aug 21, 2025

HR 68: In memory of Dr. Maxine Thornton-Reese of Dallas.

This resolution honors Dr. Maxine Thornton-Reese, a Dallas educator and former City Council member who died in 2025 at age 86. It commemorates her decades of service, including her work as a math teacher, school administrator, and Dallas City Council representative, as well as her civic leadership and community involvement. The resolution extends condolences to her family - including her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren - and formally recognizes her legacy. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact and serves only to honor her contributions.

introduced · Texas · Senate Aug 21, 2025

SJR 4: Proposing a constitutional amendment limiting to two the number of consecutive terms for which a person may be elected or appointed to hold certain state offices.

SJR 4 proposes a constitutional amendment limiting elected or appointed officials in specific Texas statewide offices to two consecutive terms. It directly affects the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, comptroller, land commissioner, attorney general, and agriculture commissioner. The amendment would prevent someone from serving a third consecutive term in these roles, though nonconsecutive terms would still be allowed. The measure must be approved by voters in the November 2026 election.

introduced · Texas · Senate Aug 21, 2025

SB 48: Relating to a vacancy in the office of senator or representative due to excessive absence.

SB 48 establishes that a Texas state senator or representative vacates their seat if absent from all legislative sessions for seven consecutive days without approved leave from their house. This rule directly affects legislators who miss sessions without permission, triggering an automatic vacancy. The bill defines "excessive absence" as missing seven straight session days without an approved leave of absence. It applies only to absences occurring on or after its effective date, which depends on legislative approval.

introduced · Texas · Senate Aug 21, 2025

SB 50: Relating to a groundwater study of certain aquifers underlying the territory of the Neches and Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District by the Texas Water Development Board before the issuance of permits or permit amendments by the district.

SB 50 requires the Texas Water Development Board to study sustainable groundwater production in aquifers under the Neches and Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District. The study must analyze long-term groundwater availability, compare it to existing models, and assess hydrological impacts of proposed production and transfers. The bill imposes a permit moratorium: the district cannot issue new groundwater permits or amendments until 270 days after the study report is submitted (due January 12, 2027). This directly affects the district and applicants seeking groundwater permits or amendments for production and transfer outside the district. The law expires November 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ Environment

introduced · Texas · Senate Aug 21, 2025

SB 55: Relating to a groundwater study of certain aquifers underlying the territory of the Neches and Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District by the Texas Water Development Board before the issuance of permits or permit amendments by the district.

SB 55 requires the Texas Water Development Board to study specific aquifers under the Neches and Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District to determine the maximum sustainable groundwater production without harming future conditions. The study must compare current data to past models, assess hydrological impacts of proposed use and transfers outside the district, and evaluate effects on recharge and surface water. The district is prohibited from issuing new groundwater permits or amendments for production and transfer until 270 days after the report is submitted (due January 12, 2027). This moratorium expires November 1, 2027, directly affecting the district and applicants seeking new permits.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Texas · House Aug 21, 2025

HB 24: Relating to the consideration by a groundwater conservation district of modeled available groundwater when issuing permits.

HB 24 limits groundwater conservation districts in Texas from issuing permits that would allow an applicant to withdraw and transfer out more than 5% of the district's estimated sustainable groundwater supply. It directly affects groundwater conservation districts and applicants seeking new permits for groundwater production and transfer. The bill requires districts to calculate this 5% cap based on "modeled available groundwater" determined by the district's executive administrator. This rule applies only to permits issued on or after the bill's effective date, which is 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Texas · House Aug 21, 2025

HB 5: Relating to making supplemental appropriations for disaster relief and giving direction and adjustment authority regarding those appropriations.

HB 5 allocates $324 million in supplemental funds from Texas' economic stabilization fund for disaster relief and preparedness. It provides $200 million to match federal disaster aid and support state disaster funds, $50 million for flood warning systems and equipment in 27 counties affected by a July 2025 flood declaration, and $24 million to improve weather forecasting and flood management in the Texas Hill Country. An additional $50 million is contingent on passing related legislation about emergency communication systems. The bill directly affects local governments in designated counties and state agencies managing disaster response.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

introduced · Texas · House Aug 21, 2025

HJR 36: Proposing a constitutional amendment specifying the authority of the attorney general to prosecute a criminal offense prescribed by the election laws of this state.

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to clarify that Texas's Attorney General has concurrent authority with county and district attorneys to prosecute criminal violations of election laws. It directly affects the Attorney General's office and local prosecutors by establishing shared jurisdiction over election-related crimes, rather than granting the AG exclusive power. The amendment must be approved by voters in a 2026 election, as specified in Section 2 of the resolution. This is a procedural change to the state constitution, not a new law creating offenses.

in committee · Texas · House Aug 21, 2025

HB 2: Relating to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, including required training for justices of the peace and responding to mass fatality events; requiring a license; authorizing fees.

HB 2 requires justices of the peace in counties without a medical examiner to complete training on managing mass fatality events within one year of election. The training covers autopsy decisions, body identification protocols, missing persons data collection, interagency coordination, and real-time family notifications. Failure to complete this training is defined as "incompetency" for removal under local government law. The bill also allows the Texas Commission on Fire Protection to access criminal history records for license applicants and employees while restricting disclosure of that information. It authorizes fees related to these requirements.

Bill results