HB 4175 requires state and local agencies employing certain public safety workers to adopt mental health leave policies. It directly affects peace officers, jailers, telecommunicators (911 operators), and parole officers who experience traumatic events during work. The policy must guarantee no salary deduction, specify the number of leave days available, and protect the employee's anonymity when using leave. Agencies must also list available mental health services, but the leave is limited to work-related trauma and does not require medical certification.
HB 3717 establishes a Texas grant program to fund private entities conducting U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug development trials using ibogaine. The program targets organizations (for-profit, nonprofit, or public benefit corporations) that can design and execute FDA trials to seek approval of ibogaine as a medication for treating opioid use disorder, co-occurring substance use disorder, and other neurological or mental health conditions where ibogaine shows effectiveness. Applicants must submit detailed trial designs, team expertise, and FDA approval strategies. The grant covers costs for these trials, aiming to advance ibogaine's potential approval as a treatment option.
HB 3219 would allow Texas pharmacists to dispense ivermectin without a doctor's prescription by requiring the state health commissioner to issue a statewide order. The bill mandates standardized protocols for pharmacists, including providing patient instructions on proper use, and protects pharmacists from liability when acting in good faith. It also requires pharmacists to submit annual reports on dispensing volumes. This directly affects licensed pharmacists and patients seeking ivermectin, changing current requirements that typically require a prescription.
HB 4688 modifies Texas law for civil liability cases involving commercial motor vehicle accidents. It restricts when evidence of regulatory violations (like safety rules) can be used in court, requiring such evidence to directly link the violation to the injury and show the rule specifically applied to the situation. The bill also limits claims against employers for driver negligence unless the employer first admits the driver was acting within their job duties at the time of the accident. These changes apply only to cases filed or tried after the bill becomes law.
HB 32 clarifies eviction procedures in Texas by updating Property Code rules. It requires landlords to give tenants at least three days' written notice before filing eviction suits for nonpayment of rent (unless a lease specifies otherwise). The bill also limits courts to deciding actual possession rights - not property title - in eviction cases and prohibits adding counterclaims or third parties to these suits. Additionally, it states only the Texas legislature can change these eviction procedures. This bill directly affects landlords, tenants, and justice courts handling eviction cases.
HB 3798 prevents Texas municipalities from banning the removal or charging fees for three specific tree removals: diseased or dead trees, trees posing immediate threats to people or property, and Ashe juniper trees on residential properties. The bill directly affects homeowners in Texas cities where Ashe juniper trees (common in Central Texas) are present on residential land. It amends the Local Government Code to require municipalities to allow removal of Ashe juniper trees on homes without requiring permits or imposing mitigation fees. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.
HB 2309 clarifies which cases the Texas Attorney General can handle regarding property seized in connection with serious crimes. It defines "contraband" as property used in specific felonies (like drug offenses, health care fraud, or financial crimes) and specifies that the Attorney General may pursue forfeiture for these cases instead of local prosecutors. This change streamlines authority for certain property seizures, particularly in cases involving health care fraud or repeat offenses under Texas law. The bill does not create new penalties but adjusts procedural responsibilities for handling seized assets.
HB 3281 requires parents whose parental rights have been terminated to financially support their children in foster care (substitute care) until specific milestones. It directly affects parents with terminated rights and children in foster care, mandating support until the child turns 18 (or graduates high school), is adopted, or for children with disabilities until adulthood. Key provisions specify that support continues until the child's adoption, 18th birthday (or graduation), removal of disability status, or death. The bill amends Texas Family Code sections to clarify these financial obligations and termination grounds.
HB 1080 allows Texas cities, counties, and other local governments to publish required public notices (like meeting schedules or public hearings) using alternative media - such as social media, free newspapers, utility bills, or homeowners' association newsletters - instead of traditional newspapers. To qualify, local governments must first hold a public meeting to prove the alternative media has greater circulation than the top local newspaper, then submit specific details (including circulation numbers) to the state comptroller. The comptroller will publish the notice on their website unless they determine the alternative method doesn’t meet the circulation standard or grant a waiver. This bill modernizes notice requirements while maintaining transparency through mandatory public input and state oversight.
HB 2379 modifies Texas law to allow the West Coke County Hospital District board of directors to select any bank (not limited to those within the district) as the official depository for district funds. The bill amends Section 1112.155(a) of the Special District Local Laws Code to remove the previous requirement that depository banks must be located "in the district." This procedural change directly affects the West Coke County Hospital District's financial management practices. The bill requires a two-thirds vote for immediate effect or takes effect September 1, 2025, if not passed with that threshold.
HB 2863 amends Texas vehicle title laws to require applicants seeking a hearing about a refused, revoked, or suspended title to submit an affidavit confirming they don’t fall under disqualifying circumstances listed in the bill. Specifically, it prohibits hearings for titles involving salvage vehicles, vehicles in active litigation, or those subject to court-ordered ownership. The bill adds new rules allowing county assessors-collectors to deny applications that violate these restrictions without holding a hearing. It directly affects Texas vehicle owners who face title issues and seek administrative appeals. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.
HB 4388 strengthens judicial authority by prohibiting judges from abandoning or relinquishing their duties and clarifying that all judges must follow constitutional and ethical rules regardless of their court's jurisdiction. It also prohibits county commissioners courts from delegating judicial duties to others unless specifically allowed by law. The bill directly affects Texas judges and county commissioners courts by reinforcing the boundaries of judicial authority. These changes take effect September 1, 2025.
