SB 12 prohibits Texas cities, counties, and other local governments (political subdivisions) from using public funds to hire registered lobbyists or pay organizations that primarily represent local governments and employ lobbyists. The bill specifically bans spending on activities like lobbying state legislators, but allows local government employees to provide information to lawmakers or testify without triggering the restriction. Exceptions include associations representing sheriffs or law enforcement officers, and direct advocacy by employees that doesn’t require lobbyist registration. Taxpayers can seek court orders to stop prohibited spending and recover related costs.
SB 42 limits towing fees during declared disasters in Texas. It prohibits towing companies from charging excessive fees for consent tows (where vehicle owners agree to towing) during emergencies declared by the governor or president. County judges can establish specific fee caps for different vehicle types: light-duty (10,000 lbs or less), medium-duty (10,000-25,000 lbs), and heavy-duty (over 25,000 lbs) tows. The bill directly affects towing companies and vehicle owners during disaster events. It takes effect 91 days after the legislative session ends.
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to clarify that the Texas Attorney General has equal authority with county or district attorneys to prosecute criminal violations of state election laws. It would amend Article IV, Section 22 of the Texas Constitution to explicitly grant the Attorney General "concurrent jurisdiction" in such cases. If approved by voters in the 2026 election, this change would directly affect how election-related criminal cases are handled across Texas, ensuring the state attorney general can participate alongside local prosecutors. The amendment does not create new election crimes but specifies existing prosecutorial authority.
HB 13 requires local governments in Texas to offer credits against water and wastewater impact fees to builders and developers who construct eligible water conservation or reuse projects. These credits apply to projects that reduce water consumption, decrease wastewater infrastructure needs, or improve stormwater management through efficiency measures. Local governments must establish fair procedures to calculate, apply, and approve these credits. The bill directly affects developers building new projects and local governments managing development fees.
HB 11 requires the Texas Attorney General to prosecute criminal offenses related to election laws, shifting responsibility from local prosecutors to the state level. It mandates that law enforcement agencies report such offenses to the Attorney General and obligates local prosecutors to provide requested information and assist in prosecutions. The Attorney General may also direct local district attorneys to either prosecute these cases or support the state's efforts. These changes apply only to offenses committed after the bill's effective date, which is set for 91 days after the legislative session ends.
SB 41 requires youth camps located near flood-risk water bodies to install and maintain floodlights for emergency guidance and post clear evacuation instructions at every cabin entrance. It directly affects camp operators at such facilities by mandating specific safety measures during flood events. The bill adds Section 141.0093 to the Health and Safety Code, setting these concrete requirements without creating new funding or enforcement mechanisms. The law takes effect 91 days after the legislative session ends.
SB 49 requires youth camp operators in Texas to create and maintain written emergency operations plans covering responses to disasters, accidents, or health emergencies. Camps must train all staff and volunteers on these plans before each session, including location of emergency equipment and practice exercises, and conduct age-appropriate safety drills within 48 hours of each session starting. The plan must be posted visibly in all camp buildings, and camps must keep records of completed training and drills. This bill directly affects all youth camps operating in Texas, mandating specific safety protocols for staff, volunteers, and campers during emergencies.
SB 25 allows Texas residents to voluntarily opt into local emergency warning systems through their driver's license applications. When applying for or renewing a driver's license, individuals can choose to share their contact information (phone, email, address) with their city or county to receive emergency alerts, with an option to receive alerts in both English and Spanish. Residents can later opt out by submitting a written request or text message to their local government. The bill creates a standardized process for municipalities and counties to contract with the Texas Department of Public Safety to access this voluntarily provided contact data. It directly affects Texas residents who use driver's license services and local governments operating emergency warning systems.
SB 26 creates a Texas state program to provide disaster recovery loans for small and micro-businesses affected by declared disasters. It establishes a dedicated recovery fund in the state budget and authorizes the state bank to offer zero-interest loans to community development financial institutions (CDFIs). These CDFIs then make interest-bearing loans to qualifying small businesses (20-100 employees) and micro-businesses that struggle to access capital after disasters. The bill requires at least 50% of program funds to support micro-businesses, with specific definitions and administration rules outlined in amended sections of the Texas Government Code.
SB 28 requires Texas municipalities and counties with websites to post localized health and safety alerts on their websites when they receive them from official sources like the National Weather Service or Texas Division of Emergency Management. The bill mandates that each alert must include a geographic display of affected areas, links to current information, projected movement of the event, and specific safety instructions. It applies only to alerts received after the bill’s effective date and does not create new alert systems. This requirement ensures consistent public access to critical emergency information during weather or safety events.
SB 35 requires youth camps located near rivers, creeks, or streams to equip each overnight cabin with specific emergency safety equipment, including radios for communication, life jackets for every camper, first aid kits, and emergency hammers. Camp operators must store this equipment accessibly and post clear, easy-to-understand instructions for its use in each cabin. The executive commissioner will develop implementing rules to enforce these requirements. This bill applies only to camps using cabins for overnight stays and does not affect other camp facilities or locations not near waterways.
SB 2501 would allow indigent parents in certain family court cases - such as those opposing termination of parental rights or custody disputes - to select their own attorney instead of relying solely on a court-appointed one. The bill requires courts to inform these parents of their right to choose a licensed Texas attorney who meets state bar requirements (including good standing and continuing education). It applies to indigent parents opposing cases, including those served by publication or with unknown location. The bill also ensures courts cannot interfere with a parent’s chosen attorney, who must then serve as the parent’s official counsel.
