HJR 20 proposes a constitutional amendment to end most property taxes (ad valorem taxes) imposed by local governments like cities and counties after January 1, 2030. It allows limited continuation of these taxes *only* to repay bonds issued before that date that were secured by property tax revenue. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in a May 2, 2026, election, with a ballot asking voters to support "the constitutional amendment to abolish ad valorem taxes." If passed, this would significantly alter how local governments fund services by eliminating a primary revenue source.
HB 163 defines an unborn child as a human being from fertilization until birth for legal purposes, requiring Texas criminal and civil laws to apply equally to unborn children as to born individuals. The bill repeals existing laws that permitted "prenatal homicide" (harming an unborn child without criminal penalty) and that could be interpreted as allowing pressure on pregnant women to obtain abortions. It adds exceptions for lifesaving medical procedures to save a pregnant mother's life (when steps are taken to save the unborn child) and for spontaneous miscarriages. This would change how offenses against unborn children are treated in Texas courts, including in criminal prosecutions for causing harm or death.
This resolution honors Robert Barrett of San Antonio, who died on June 25, 2025, at age 94. It recognizes his career as Bexar County’s first Hispanic commercial insurance agent (starting in 1956), his community leadership roles (including YMCA chair and Economic Development Corporation board member), and his family. The Texas House of Representatives formally pays tribute to his life and extends condolences to his family. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact or funding provisions.
This House resolution honors Dr. Judith Ann Jones Carrier of Fort Worth, recognizing her life and contributions following her passing on July 5, 2025. It highlights her 16-year leadership as founding president of Tarrant County College’s Southeast Campus (1996-2012), her establishment of scholarships, and her civic roles as the first woman to lead the Fort Worth Rotary Club and Arlington Chamber of Commerce. The resolution pays tribute to her legacy in education and community service, extending sympathy to her family. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents.
HB 135 requires Texas' comptroller of public accounts to conduct a comprehensive review of the state's sales and use tax structure by inventorying all currently taxed and exempt goods/services, comparing Texas' tax base to other states, and identifying untaxed items common in other states or emerging in Texas. The review must include an economic analysis of potential tax expansions, covering revenue projections, distributional effects, and impacts on businesses and competitiveness. The comptroller must submit a report to state leaders by December 1, 2026, though the bill itself does not change tax rates or directly affect taxpayers. This is a procedural review bill, not a tax policy change.
HB 140 repeals a provision in the Texas Property Code (Section 202.024) that prohibited homeowners' associations (HOAs) from restricting rentals based on a tenant's payment method (e.g., cash, check, or digital payment). This change would allow HOAs to establish rules limiting rentals paid by certain methods, directly affecting HOAs and renters in communities governed by such associations. The bill takes effect 91 days after the legislative session ends, removing a current restriction on HOA policies. It is a procedural change focused solely on altering a specific legal provision, with no additional funding or implementation mechanisms.
HB 141 restricts political donations from out-of-state contributors to Texas candidates. It limits donations to $5,000 for statewide offices, $2,500 for district offices, and $1,000 for county offices. Candidates must return any excess donations within specified deadlines (by the end of the reporting period or within five days of receipt). Violators face civil penalties up to three times the amount of the prohibited contribution, enforced through a formal hearing process. The bill applies only to contributions accepted after its effective date.
This is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) introduced by Representative Hickland to honor Eva Charlotte Hahn of Temple. The resolution commemorates her life, highlighting her journey as a Czechoslovakian refugee who escaped Nazi and communist regimes, contributed to developing the Salk polio vaccine in Australia, and later became a dedicated Temple community member, volunteer, and business owner. It pays tribute to her 59-year marriage, her service on Temple's Desegregation Committee, and her legacy as a mother, grandmother, and civic leader. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the Texas House's collective remembrance of her life and extends sympathy to her family.
HB 137 modifies Texas property tax collection rules to protect property owners from excessive penalties. It requires tax collectors to apply payments first to the unpaid property tax amount (not penalties or interest) unless owners specify otherwise in writing. The bill also caps total penalties and interest on delinquent taxes at $500, regardless of what would otherwise accrue under existing law. This applies to payments received 91 days after the legislative session ends, directly affecting homeowners and property owners with overdue taxes.
This bill establishes temperature standards for facilities operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), requiring indoor temperatures to be maintained between 65°F and 85°F. It directly affects all TDCJ-operated facilities, including prisons and correctional centers. The law mandates these temperature ranges but delays full compliance until September 1, 2026. The bill takes effect 91 days after the legislative session concludes.
This bill requires youth camp operators in Texas to provide each camper with a battery-powered radio tag capable of tracking their location if they go missing or during severe weather events or disasters. The tags must actively transmit location data without physical contact, as defined in the bill. Camp operators must implement this system, with health officials developing specific implementation rules. The requirement applies to all youth camps and takes effect 91 days after the legislative session ends.
HB 147 requires Texas to develop a statewide real-time emergency communications platform to improve coordination among agencies during disasters. The bill mandates that the platform integrate mapping, alerts, resource tracking, and plain-language communication tools accessible to state, regional, and local emergency responders. It specifically requires the platform to work with existing state and federal systems and be incorporated into all local and state emergency management plans. The bill grants access to the platform for key entities including counties, municipalities, state agencies like the Texas Department of Public Safety, and regional emergency councils.
