Texas Bills

in committee · Texas · House May 8, 2025

HB 5362: Relating to the basis for a third-party challenge to a voter's registration.

HB 5362 amends Texas election law to require third parties challenging a voter's registration to submit a sworn statement with specific, verifiable grounds. The bill mandates that challengers identify the voter and state exactly which registration qualification the voter lacks, based either on the challenger's personal knowledge or a fact from a reliable source (like public records). This change directly affects voters whose registrations might be challenged and the citizens or groups attempting such challenges. It aims to prevent vague or unsubstantiated challenges by requiring concrete evidence before a registration can be contested. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

in committee · Texas · House May 8, 2025

HB 3344: Relating to the regulation and licensing of reroofing contractors by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation; providing administrative and civil penalties; authorizing fees.

HB 3344 requires roofing contractors in Texas to obtain an occupational license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and pay associated fees. It directly affects professionals who perform roofing services (installation, repair, or maintenance) for compensation on commercial or residential properties, excluding homeowners doing their own work, government employees, or those selling roofing materials without installation. Key provisions include creating administrative penalties for violations, authorizing TDLR to set licensing fees, and establishing criminal offenses for certain violations. The bill exempts contractors working on new construction and those performing services for property owners on their own residential or agricultural properties.

in committee · Texas · Senate May 8, 2025

SB 1884: Relating to allowing the chair of the State Board of Education to employ personnel to assist in performing the board's duties.

SB 1884 allows the chair of Texas' State Board of Education to directly hire staff to assist the board in carrying out its duties. The bill specifies that these employees would be considered Texas Education Agency (TEA) employees for benefits like health insurance and retirement, receive expense reimbursements, and report directly to the board chair. The Texas Education Agency must provide administrative support (including HR and payroll) for these positions. This bill affects the State Board of Education's internal staffing structure but does not change educational policies or impact students or schools.

in committee · Texas · House May 8, 2025

HB 5256: Relating to the number of polling places in certain counties.

HB 5256 regulates polling place distribution in Texas counties based on population size. It requires counties with over 1 million residents to ensure the number of polling places in each state representative district differs by no more than one, and mandates at least one polling place per county commissioners precinct. For counties with 400,000+ residents, the bill limits early voting locations per state representative district to a maximum difference of one between districts. Smaller counties (120,000-1 million) must place early voting sites in each commissioners precinct, while counties of 100,000-120,000 must add locations upon receiving 15 voter requests. The bill applies directly to county election officials managing polling place allocations.

in committee · Texas · House May 8, 2025

HB 4371: Relating to the provision of services by certain persons in the private duty nursing program.

Based solely on the provided context, a summary of HB 4371 cannot be generated. The bill text section states the current version is unavailable, directing users to a PDF that isn't included in the provided information. No specific provisions, policy changes, or affected parties are described in the available text. The only details provided are procedural committee actions (e.g., "Reported favorably as substituted"), which do not describe the bill's substance. To create a factual summary, the actual bill language or a detailed description of its provisions would be required.

in committee · Texas · House May 8, 2025

HB 2504: Relating to fees charged by certain property owners' associations for resale certificates and updates of resale certificates.

HB 2504 caps fees that homeowners' associations (HOAs) can charge for resale certificates and updates when selling property. It limits the fee for preparing and delivering a resale certificate to $375 and for updating it to $75, while prohibiting additional charges for inspections or other related activities. This directly affects homeowners in HOA-managed communities who buy or sell property, as these certificates are required for sales transactions. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, ensuring standardized, transparent costs for these essential documents.

Topics ✓ Housing

in committee · Texas · House May 8, 2025

HB 4553: Relating to the mandatory reporting of birth outcomes by licensed midwives in the State of Texas.

Based solely on the provided bill title and context, HB 4553 requires licensed midwives in Texas to report birth outcomes to the state. The bill directly affects licensed midwives who provide maternity care. However, the specific reporting requirements (e.g., what data must be reported, timelines, or consequences for non-compliance) are not included in the available context, as the bill text is referenced as "not currently available" and only a PDF is mentioned. The bill was favorably reported by committee in May 2025 but no further details on its provisions are provided.

in committee · Texas · House May 8, 2025

HB 1387: Relating to a person's eligibility to sit for the examination for a license to practice law in this state.

HB 1387 amends Texas law to expand eligibility pathways for taking the bar exam to become a licensed attorney. It adds two new options beyond traditional law school: completing a two-year apprenticeship under a licensed Texas attorney or gaining two years of full-time paralegal work experience in Texas. The bill specifically defines "approved law school" and requires the Texas Supreme Court to establish rules ensuring candidates meet character, education, and practical experience standards. This change directly affects individuals seeking to practice law in Texas who do not attend a traditional law school. The bill is currently pending in committee as of May 2025.

in committee · Texas · House May 8, 2025

HB 5377: Relating to the filing of a fraudulent financing statement in relation to certain secured transactions; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

HB 5377 targets fraudulent financing statements in Texas secured transactions by imposing civil penalties of at least $10,000 (or actual damages) plus court costs and attorney fees on those who intentionally file forged, false, or groundless statements. It creates a process for property owners harmed by such fraud to sue for release of the statement and recover costs, while allowing debtors to challenge improper filings through an affidavit that triggers a termination statement. This law directly affects creditors who commit fraud and the property owners or debtors harmed by fraudulent filings. The bill amends Section 9.5185 of the Business & Commerce Code to strengthen remedies for victims.

in committee · Texas · House May 8, 2025

HB 1544: Relating to the recovery by this state from the federal government of certain border security expenditures.

Texas House Bill 1544 requires the state treasurer to annually calculate Texas' border security spending from the previous biennium, prepare an invoice for reimbursement from the federal government, and submit it within 30 days of each biennium's start. The bill mandates that invoices must be due 6-8 months after submission, with payments deposited into the general revenue fund if paid on time. If unpaid, the attorney general can sue the federal agency for the amount certified by the treasurer. The bill includes a temporary $20 billion cap on recoverable costs for the 2021-2025 period and expires in 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Texas · House May 8, 2025

HB 1768: Relating to the construction of certain concrete plants under a standard permit.

HB 1768 updates permit requirements for concrete plants in Texas. It requires operators building, expanding, or modifying facilities to submit detailed plot plans showing property lines, emission points, and setback distances from nearby structures. If the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality amends the standard permit, operators who haven’t started construction must update their plans to match the new rules. The bill directly affects concrete plant operators seeking permits for new construction or modifications. It focuses on administrative clarity and safety compliance, not substantive environmental changes.

in committee · Texas · House May 8, 2025

HB 3913: Relating to the licensing and regulation of certain real estate professionals by the Texas Real Estate Commission.

HB 3913 updates Texas licensing requirements for real estate professionals by defining mandatory educational courses for license holders. It requires qualifying courses to cover five specific areas: agency relationships, contract law, real estate principles (including 3+ hours on housing discrimination laws), property management, and appraisal fundamentals. The bill directly affects real estate brokers and agents seeking initial licensing or continuing education. Key provisions include mandating training on federal/state housing discrimination laws and specific topics like lease procedures and fiduciary duties, ensuring standardized education under the Texas Real Estate Commission.

Bill results