HB 96 requires local governments in Texas to hold elections for bond issuances or property tax rate increases on the uniform November election date, not as emergency elections. It mandates a 3/5 supermajority vote (instead of a simple majority) for voter approval of general obligation bonds or tax rate hikes. The bill amends multiple codes to enforce this higher threshold, overriding previous "majority" requirements in tax law. This directly affects cities, counties, and school districts seeking to finance projects or raise property taxes through voter-approved measures. The policy change ensures broader public support is required before such financial decisions can be implemented.
HB 97, titled the "Texas Sovereignty Act," proposes that the Texas legislature or state courts may declare specific federal actions unconstitutional if they exceed powers delegated to the federal government under the U.S. Constitution. The bill argues that all powers not explicitly granted to the federal government by the Constitution are reserved to the states or the people, and it specifically limits federal authority over intrastate commerce. If enacted, the declaration would be made by Texas state entities, though the bill does not specify how such a declaration would be enforced or its legal effect on federal law. The measure directly affects Texas state government bodies (legislature and courts) and could influence how Texas responds to federal policies it deems overreaching.
HJR 16 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 apply to land not subject to other appraisal laws, with the legislature defining the specific groundwater areas and additional eligibility rules. This amendment requires voter approval in the November 2025 election before taking effect.
This concurrent resolution directs the Texas Department of Public Safety to consider opening a Driver License Mega Center in Magnolia. It addresses the current need for Magnolia residents to travel to Conroe or Houston for driver's license services by formally requesting the DPS evaluate establishing a local center. The resolution has no binding effect and merely asks the agency to review the possibility.
This is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) congratulating Gerardo Soto, superintendent of Harlandale Independent School District (ISD), on being named the 2025 ESC Region 20 Superintendent of the Year by the Texas Association of School Boards. The resolution recognizes his 31+ years in education, leadership in initiatives like the Educational Partners Program and Makerspace Center, and achievements including Harlandale ISD earning the state's highest financial accountability rating. It does not create any new laws, policies, or financial obligations. The resolution serves solely to honor Soto's contributions to public education in his district.
This proposed constitutional amendment would give Texas' Attorney General concurrent authority with county and district attorneys to prosecute criminal violations of election laws. It specifically adds a provision to the state constitution stating the AG "shall have concurrent jurisdiction" to handle these cases alongside local prosecutors. The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 2025 election to take effect. This change directly affects how election-related criminal cases are handled across Texas, clarifying the AG's role in enforcing election law violations.
HB 98 amends Texas law to require judges to disqualify district or county attorneys who consistently refuse to prosecute violations of election laws. If an attorney has a pattern of declining to pursue such cases, a judge must remove them from handling those specific prosecutions. The Attorney General then gains authority to step in and prosecute these election-related offenses when a local prosecutor is disqualified. The law applies only to offenses committed on or after September 1, 2025, with prior cases governed by existing law.
HB 68 would increase the percentage of voter approval required for school district bond elections. Currently, a simple majority (50% plus one vote) might suffice, but this bill would raise that threshold to a higher percentage. This change directly affects school districts seeking to fund capital projects like building repairs or new facilities, as well as voters in those districts who must approve bond measures. The key provision is the higher vote requirement, which would apply to all future school district bond elections statewide.
HB 35 requires the secretary of state to include a fiscal impact estimate on ballots for constitutional amendment elections. The Legislative Budget Board must determine whether an amendment would create recurring or one-time state costs or savings, then provide this estimate to the secretary of state for ballot inclusion. The ballot statement would specify the estimated annual cost/savings or one-time cost/savings amount and duration, based on the Legislative Budget Board's assessment. This directly affects voters by providing concrete fiscal information when casting ballots on constitutional amendments.
HB 54 would allow cities, counties, and school districts (political subdivisions) to seek voter approval for bonds on a project that voters previously rejected in a bond election within the last five years. Currently, such projects might be barred from being proposed again for a longer period, but this bill would permit re-proposal after only five years. The key provision removes a restriction preventing these local governments from presenting the same bond issue for a vote during this five-year window. This change directly affects communities seeking to fund public projects after recent voter opposition.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to ban ad valorem taxes (property taxes based on value) in Texas after January 1, 2031. It would prevent local governments and school districts from levying these taxes on real or personal property after that date, while requiring the state to guarantee repayment for school district bonds issued before November 4, 2025, that relied on such taxes. The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 4, 2025 election to take effect. This directly affects all local taxing entities and school districts that currently rely on property taxes for funding.
HB 43 would establish new rules for calculating property tax rates (based on property value) by local governments and require a specific approval process for tax rates exceeding the level previously approved by voters. The bill mandates that taxing units, such as cities, counties, or school districts, must follow a defined procedure - potentially including public votes - to raise property taxes above the voter-approved limit. This directly affects local governments that collect property taxes and the voters who have the right to approve tax increases beyond existing caps. The bill also includes minor adjustments to related laws to ensure consistency with these new requirements.
