Texas Bills

introduced · Texas · Senate Mar 11, 2025

SB 2212: Relating to the efficient operations of agencies in the legislative branch of state government and the repeal of certain obsolete provisions involving those agencies.

This bill (SB 2212) streamlines operations for Texas legislative agencies by updating definitions and processes. It requires the Texas Legislative Council to prioritize drafting proposed legislation during legislative sessions and conduct a study on improving how statutory codes are updated after sessions, with a report due to the 90th Legislature. The bill also clarifies that "state agency" includes most government entities but excludes legislative offices, and mandates that state agencies submit three paper and one electronic copy of publications to the Legislative Reference Library. These changes aim to modernize legislative support functions without creating new programs.

introduced · Texas · House Mar 5, 2025

HR 456: Commending Mike Gleason of Cedar Park for his service to Williamson County.

This is a ceremonial resolution (not a law), commending Mike Gleason for his service as Williamson County Sheriff. It honors his 24-year career with the Williamson County Sheriff's Office, including his roles as lieutenant, captain, and assistant chief deputy, as well as his work on initiatives like pay increases for officers and a jail-to-jobs program. The resolution formally recognizes his contributions to public safety and community service. The Texas House of Representatives will present an official copy to Gleason as an expression of regard.

introduced · Texas · Senate Mar 4, 2025

SB 1859: Relating to the licensing and regulation of advanced practice registered nurses and the payment of independent advanced practice registered nurses in certain government employee health plans.

SB 1859 amends Texas law to clarify definitions for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists. The bill establishes specific regulatory terms in the Occupations Code, such as defining "professional nursing" and the role of the Texas Board of Nursing. While the bill title references payment provisions for APRNs in government employee health plans, the provided text only includes the definitions section and does not detail payment mechanisms. This summary is based solely on the regulatory definitions contained in the bill text.

introduced · Texas · Senate Feb 28, 2025

SB 1780: Relating to the registration and inspection of vehicles.

SB 1780 modifies Texas vehicle registration and inspection fees. It creates a new 24-month registration period for new passenger cars/light trucks purchased in Texas (or by commercial fleets) that have never been registered elsewhere and are current or previous model year vehicles. Instead of annual $7.50 registration fees, owners pay a one-time $22.25 fee for initial registration, which covers the next two registration cycles. $6 of this fee is directed to the clean air account, as specified in Section 548.510(c) of the Transportation Code. The bill also repeals several existing inspection-related sections.

introduced · Texas · Senate Feb 26, 2025

SB 1655: Relating to design build contracts.

SB 1655 limits the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to no more than two design build contracts per state fiscal biennium under Section 223.242(d-1) of the Transportation Code. This directly affects TxDOT's contracting authority for transportation projects using the design build procurement method. The bill’s key provision restricts the number of such contracts TxDOT may enter into annually, aiming to manage project volume and oversight. The bill takes effect immediately if approved by two-thirds of each chamber, or September 1, 2025, otherwise.

Topics ✗ Transportation

introduced · Texas · Senate Feb 25, 2025

SB 1617: Relating to use and operation of the childcare protection and enhancement fund.

SB 1617 establishes rules for managing the Child Care Protection and Enhancement Fund, created under Texas Constitution Section 49-r. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) administers the fund, which holds money invested by the Texas Treasury Safekeeping Trust Company. The bill requires annual distributions of fund interest to increase subsidized childcare capacity and rates for families and providers. It prohibits using fund money for salaries, agency operations, or administrative costs, and mandates audits of all expenditures. The bill takes effect only if voters approve a related constitutional amendment in 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

introduced · Texas · House Feb 19, 2025

HR 308: In memory of Karl Allen McElhaney of El Paso.

This is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill) honoring Karl Allen McElhaney of El Paso. It pays tribute to McElhaney, a public servant who worked with El Paso County and the El Paso Chamber, advocated for rural infrastructure, and volunteered with animal rescue programs. The resolution extends sympathy to his family and directs the Texas House to adjourn in his memory. It has no policy provisions or direct impact on laws or regulations.

introduced · Texas · Senate Feb 19, 2025

SB 1427: Relating to the conduct of efficiency audits of state agencies.

SB 1427 requires all Texas state agencies, including public universities, to undergo a comprehensive efficiency audit every six years. The bill mandates that the state auditor schedules these audits, selects an external auditor (not directed by the agency being audited), and examines how agencies use resources like funding, staff, and technology to achieve program goals. Agencies must pay the audit costs, and the audits must verify resources are used effectively and not diverted from intended purposes. This replaces existing internal efficiency audits for covered agencies during the same year as the external audit. The law creates a structured, recurring process for evaluating state agency efficiency.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

introduced · Texas · Senate Feb 19, 2025

SB 1419: Relating to participation in the Texas Leadership Scholars Program.

SB 1419 amends Texas education code to clarify rules for the Texas Leadership Scholars Program, affecting public universities and students receiving leadership or research scholarships. It requires research scholarships to be at least 150% of leadership scholarship amounts, limits students to four years per scholarship program, and mandates that each eligible institution receives at least one research scholarship. The bill prohibits rules that restrict which universities can participate or favor specific institutions, ensuring broader access. These changes aim to standardize scholarship distribution while maintaining program flexibility for participating universities.

Topics ✓ Education

introduced · Texas · Senate Feb 18, 2025

SB 1348: Relating to the establishment and powers and duties of the Texas Advisory Committee on Pacific Conflict.

SB 1348 establishes the Texas Advisory Committee on Pacific Conflict to assess potential security threats from Pacific Ocean region conflicts. The committee will analyze vulnerabilities in Texas critical infrastructure (like energy, water, and communications systems) and critical procurement processes. It aims to support state and national security by preparing for disruptions in supply chains with Pacific nations, particularly China and Taiwan. The bill creates a formal structure for Texas to coordinate with federal efforts, though it does not mandate specific actions or funding. This is a procedural bill focused on planning, not direct policy changes.

introduced · Texas · House Feb 14, 2025

HR 269: Congratulating recording star Cody Daniel Johnson on his achievements in country music.

This resolution (HR 269) from the Texas House of Representatives congratulates country music artist Cody Daniel Johnson on his career achievements, including nine studio albums, multiplatinum status, and awards such as the 2023 Grammy for Best Country Song and 2024 CMA Album of the Year. It specifically highlights his East Texas roots, rodeo background, and recent successes like the album *Leather* winning Album of the Year at the 2024 CMA Awards. The resolution expresses the House’s admiration for Johnson’s contributions to country music and extends best wishes for his future. As a commemorative resolution, it does not enact any policy or affect legislation.

introduced · Texas · House Feb 5, 2025

HR 187: Recognizing February 19, 2025, as El Paso Day at the State Capitol.

HR 187 is a ceremonial resolution designating February 19, 2025, as "El Paso Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It formally recognizes El Paso's cultural significance, economic role as a border trade hub, military connections (including Fort Bliss), and recent federal grants, without creating new laws or funding. The resolution has no binding effect beyond this symbolic acknowledgment. It directly affects the Texas Legislature, instructing it to observe the day at the Capitol. This is a non-binding commemorative gesture, not a substantive policy change.

Bill results