SB 50 requires the Texas Water Development Board to study sustainable groundwater production in aquifers under the Neches and Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District. The study must analyze long-term groundwater availability, compare it to existing models, and assess hydrological impacts of proposed production and transfers. The bill imposes a permit moratorium: the district cannot issue new groundwater permits or amendments until 270 days after the study report is submitted (due January 12, 2027). This directly affects the district and applicants seeking groundwater permits or amendments for production and transfer outside the district. The law expires November 1, 2027.
SB 55 requires the Texas Water Development Board to study specific aquifers under the Neches and Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District to determine the maximum sustainable groundwater production without harming future conditions. The study must compare current data to past models, assess hydrological impacts of proposed use and transfers outside the district, and evaluate effects on recharge and surface water. The district is prohibited from issuing new groundwater permits or amendments for production and transfer until 270 days after the report is submitted (due January 12, 2027). This moratorium expires November 1, 2027, directly affecting the district and applicants seeking new permits.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to clarify that Texas's Attorney General has concurrent authority with county and district attorneys to prosecute criminal violations of election laws. It directly affects the Attorney General's office and local prosecutors by establishing shared jurisdiction over election-related crimes, rather than granting the AG exclusive power. The amendment must be approved by voters in a 2026 election, as specified in Section 2 of the resolution. This is a procedural change to the state constitution, not a new law creating offenses.
HB 263 allows Texas municipalities and counties to regulate recreational vehicle (RV) parks by either prohibiting their establishment or charging a fee for setting them up. Local governments would have the option to ban RV parks entirely or, if they permit them, impose a fee for the park's formation. The bill defines "recreational vehicle park" using existing Water Code terminology and provides no new restrictions beyond these two choices for local authorities. It does not require local governments to take action but gives them regulatory flexibility regarding RV park development. The bill is set to take effect 91 days after the legislative session ends.
HB 262 defines "brine" as underground salty liquid containing dissolved minerals (like lithium, bromine, and magnesium), excluding groundwater, oil, gas, and related waste. It clarifies that landowners own brine minerals beneath their property as real property, unless otherwise specified in legal agreements. The bill requires the Railroad Commission to create rules for reporting by brine mining operators and regulates "brine mining" operations (extracting minerals from brine) while excluding oil/gas products. This directly affects landowners and businesses extracting minerals from underground brine formations in Texas.
HB 268 requires background checks for firearm sales at gun shows in Texas. It defines "gun shows" as events with three or more vendors charging fees, and mandates that sellers conduct federal background checks before completing sales and maintain sales records. Gun show promoters must notify local law enforcement 30 days in advance and ensure background checks are completed for all sales, with exceptions for peace officers and licensed handgun carriers. Violations are classified as Class A misdemeanors for sellers and promoters who fail to comply. The bill directly affects gun show sellers, promoters, and attendees purchasing firearms at such events.
HB 267 allows Texas cities and counties to use driver's license applicant contact information for emergency warning systems, with resident consent. When applying for or renewing a driver's license, residents can voluntarily opt-in to share their contact details (phone, email, address) for local emergency alerts. Residents may also request removal from the system at any time. The bill requires the Texas Department of Public Safety to include a consent option on license applications and prohibits using collected contact information for any purpose other than emergency warnings.
HB 264 prohibits registered lobbyists in Texas from receiving state funds under current contracts or as compensation for services provided to the state. It directly affects registered lobbyists who would otherwise receive payments for lobbying work or state employment. The bill includes an exception for retirement benefits or other benefits tied to a lobbyist's prior state service. This law applies only to funds received on or after the bill's effective date, with past payments governed by previous law. The bill does not change existing rules for retirement benefits or past employment compensation.
HB 269 would create a Texas grant program to help nonprofits, regional planning commissions, and emergency communication districts pay for emergency communications services like 9-1-1. The Commission on State Emergency Communications would develop rules for applications, eligibility, and tracking how funds are used to ensure services are delivered effectively. The program could also accept donations to supplement state funding. This bill directly affects organizations providing critical emergency communication services across Texas.
HJR 29 proposes a constitutional amendment to deny Texas legislators pay, per diem, or mileage reimbursement for unexcused absences when their legislative chamber lacks a quorum (the minimum members needed to conduct business). If a legislator misses a session without a valid reason and the house isn’t meeting quorum requirements, they would not receive compensation for that absence. The amendment must be approved by voters in the May 2, 2026 election. This directly affects Texas state legislators by linking their pay to attendance during quorum-deficient sessions.
HB 273 allows certain taxing units (like special districts, but not school districts, counties, or municipalities) to cap property taxes on the homesteads of low-income disabled or elderly homeowners. It defines "eligible individuals" as those with household income below 200% of the federal poverty level. The bill requires taxing units to calculate taxes normally but limits the total annual tax to the amount charged in the first year the homeowner qualified for the homestead exemption, preventing future increases above that level. Exceptions apply only if the homeowner makes non-repair improvements to their home. This directly affects qualifying taxing units and eligible homeowners aged 65+ or disabled individuals with low incomes.
Texas Senate Bill 47 amends the Water Code to expand the definition of "flood project" for funding through the flood infrastructure fund. It specifically adds provisions allowing projects using nature-based features for flood risk reduction, multi-purpose infrastructure that captures floodwater for water supply, and the acquisition of primary residences in 100-year floodplains from low-income homeowners (under 200% of federal poverty level). The bill exempts these newly defined projects from certain prior requirements under Section 15.534(c). This change directly affects communities in flood-prone areas and local entities managing flood infrastructure funding.
