Texas Bills

introduced · Texas · House Jul 17, 2025

HB 107: Relating to the vote required in an election to approve an ad valorem tax rate that exceeds a taxing unit 's voter-approval tax rate; making conforming changes.

HB 107 would lower the voter approval threshold for property tax increases that exceed a taxing unit's current voter-approved rate from two-thirds to a simple majority (over 50%). This affects local governments in Texas, including cities, counties, and school districts, when they seek to raise property taxes above previously approved rates. The bill requires public notices for such tax increases to clearly display the proposed rate, the no-new-revenue rate (current tax level), and the voter-approval rate. If the proposed rate exceeds the voter-approval rate, an election must be held, and the tax rate would default to the voter-approval rate unless a majority of voters approve the increase.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

introduced · Texas · House Jul 17, 2025

HB 118: Relating to the use of certain federal funds received by the state to provide property tax refunds to Texas homestead owners.

HB 118's bill text is not available in the provided context (only the title and filing date are included). The title indicates it relates to using certain federal funds for property tax refunds to Texas homestead owners, but without the full text, specific provisions or mechanisms cannot be described. As the bill was filed on July 17, 2025, it is still in early stages with no further details available. A complete summary requires the full bill text or additional context.

introduced · Texas · House Jul 17, 2025

HB 115: Relating to the jurisdiction of statutory county courts and creation of an additional statutory probate court in Hidalgo County.

HB 115 creates a second statutory probate court in Hidalgo County, redesignating the existing probate court as Probate Court No. 1 and establishing Probate Court No. 2. This directly affects residents of Hidalgo County who use probate court services for matters like estate administration, wills, and guardianships. The bill amends the Government Code to formally define Hidalgo County's two probate courts and clarifies that new cases filed after the effective date (September 1, 2025) will be handled by the new court structure. Existing cases filed before the effective date will continue under prior rules.

introduced · Texas · House Jul 17, 2025

HJR 17: Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to define certain terms for purposes of the exemption from ad valorem taxation of farm products in the hands of the producer.

HJR 17 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow the Texas legislature to define key terms for farm product tax exemptions. Specifically, it would let lawmakers establish official definitions for "farm products" and "in the hands of the producer" through general law, potentially including livestock, poultry, timber, and farming supplies. This change would directly affect Texas farmers who currently qualify for property tax exemptions on farm products they produce. The amendment must be approved by voters in a May 2026 election before taking effect.

introduced · Texas · House Jul 17, 2025

HB 108: Relating to a guide on preparing for and responding to a flooding disaster.

HB 108 requires the Texas Division of Emergency Management to develop a publicly available guide for community organizations on preparing for and responding to flooding disasters. The guide must cover community engagement, volunteer coordination, resource access (including trauma and recovery services), communication strategies, training, and rebuilding community cohesion after floods. It will be created in collaboration with the Department of Emergency Management and local stakeholders, and must be posted online by April 1, 2026. The bill directly affects community groups, volunteers, and local emergency management agencies by providing standardized resources for flood response.

introduced · Texas · House Jul 17, 2025

HR 12: Congratulating Texas A&M University pitcher Justin Lamkin on his selection in the 2025 Major League Baseball Draft.

This is a ceremonial resolution, not a legislative bill with policy changes. It formally congratulates Corpus Christi native Justin Lamkin, a Texas A&M University pitcher, on being selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 2025 Major League Baseball Draft (71st overall pick, second round). The resolution expresses the Texas House of Representatives' recognition of his achievements, including his 2025 season performance and being named SEC Pitcher of the Week. It includes no new laws, funding, or policy impacts - only a formal expression of support.

introduced · Texas · House Jul 17, 2025

HB 116: Relating to the repeal of or limitations on certain state and local taxes, including school district maintenance and operations ad valorem taxes, the enactment of state and local value added taxes, related school finance reform, and directing the comptroller to identify alternatives to local ad valorem taxes; imposing taxes.

The bill text for HB 116 is not currently available in the provided context. The title indicates it relates to tax changes (repealing or limiting certain state/local taxes, including school district ad valorem taxes), enacting value-added taxes, and school finance reform, but no specific provisions, mechanisms, or affected parties are described in the accessible content. Without the full bill text or detailed summary, a factual policy description cannot be provided. The bill was filed on July 17, 2025, but no further details are available.

Topics ✗ Education

introduced · Texas · House Jul 17, 2025

HB 106: Relating to the Department of Public Safety performing DNA testing of certain individuals crossing the Texas-Mexico border and restrictions on the use of the results of those tests.

HB 106 requires the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to partner with U.S. Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct DNA testing via rapid tests on individuals crossing the Texas-Mexico border between ports of entry who are detained by DHS and suspected of human trafficking offenses under Texas Penal Code Chapter 20A. The bill mandates DPS destroy all biological samples after testing and prohibits DPS from maintaining a DNA database, entering results into federal CODIS systems, or searching existing DNA databases. DHS must cover all costs for this program, and any agreement between DPS and DHS must include these destruction and prohibition requirements. The law directly affects DPS operations, DHS enforcement, and individuals detained for suspected trafficking-related activity.

Topics ✗ Immigration

introduced · Texas · House Jul 17, 2025

HB 109: Relating to a disaster recovery loan program for small and micro-businesses.

HB 109 creates a state-funded disaster recovery loan program to help Texas small businesses (20-100 employees) and micro-businesses access capital after declared disasters. The program provides zero-interest loans to community development financial institutions (CDFIs), which then make interest-bearing loans directly to qualifying businesses. To qualify, businesses must be Texas-based (with 51% of employees in the state), for-profit, independently owned, and have difficulty accessing capital post-disaster. The program uses funds from a dedicated state account in the general revenue fund to support these loans, aiming to stabilize local economies and job creation after emergencies.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

introduced · Texas · House Jul 17, 2025

HB 110: Relating to the definitions of certain terms for purposes of the exemption from ad valorem taxation of farm products in the hands of the producer.

HB 110 clarifies definitions for Texas farm product tax exemptions, directly affecting farmers who sell livestock, poultry, eggs, or timber. It adds these specific products to the definition of "farm products" under tax law and defines when such items count as "in the hands of the producer" (e.g., owned by the farmer on January 1 of the tax year). The bill takes effect only for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, but only if voters approve a related constitutional amendment in 2025. This change ensures consistent tax treatment for certain agricultural products without altering current exemption rules.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

introduced · Texas · House Jul 16, 2025

HR 10: In memory of Terrill A. Cover of San Antonio.

This is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill) honoring Terrill A. Cover, a San Antonio educator and community member who passed away on June 5, 2025. The resolution details his life, including his 46-year marriage, career in education (serving as a principal and athletic director), and community involvement with the Texas PTA and Catholic faith. The Texas House of Representatives formally pays tribute to him and extends condolences to his family, with an official copy to be provided to them. It does not create new laws or affect any policies.

introduced · Texas · House Jul 16, 2025

HR 9: In memory of Richard Cyril Bernal of San Antonio.

This is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill) honoring Richard Cyril Bernal of San Antonio. It pays tribute to his life, career as a radio personality, family, and contributions to his community following his death on June 13, 2025. The Texas House of Representatives resolves to extend condolences to his family, including his sons, siblings, partner, and grandchildren. The resolution was filed on July 16, 2025, by Representative Martinez Fischer.

Bill results