Texas Bills

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.