Texas Bills

in committee · Texas · House May 7, 2025

HB 3004: Relating to work, an activity, or a function performed near a high voltage overhead line.

HB 3004 amends Texas law to clarify which court decisions can be appealed before final judgment. It adds 18 specific types of orders to the list of appealable interlocutory rulings, including motions related to electric utility liability (Section 1(13)), municipal lawsuits under local government codes (Section 1(14)), and summary judgments in cases involving overhead power lines. The bill does not change safety rules for workers near power lines; instead, it refines procedural rules for legal appeals. The "overhead line" definition added in Section 2 is a technical reference for these procedural changes, not a new safety standard. This is a procedural bill affecting court procedures, not direct policy for workers or utilities.

in committee · Texas · House May 7, 2025

HB 4092: Relating to the effect of payments made after the deadline for presuit notice in actions against an insurer related to certain claims for property damage.

HB 4092 clarifies that insurers cannot avoid paying additional damages by making payments after the required notice deadline for property damage claims. It directly affects property claimants who miss the presuit notice deadline but later receive a payment from their insurer. The bill's key provision (Section 542A.008) states that such late payments do not limit an insured's right to recover interest, penalties, attorney fees, or other noneconomic damages for the original claim. This change applies only to claims filed on or after September 1, 2025.

in committee · Texas · House May 7, 2025

HB 5269: Relating to the authority of the Office of Public Utility Counsel to access certain data.

HB 5269 expands the Office of Public Utility Counsel's authority to access electricity market data from the Public Utility Commission, the independent organization overseeing the ERCOT power grid, and electric utilities. This data includes information on grid reliability, power plant adequacy, and transmission planning. The Office will use this information to better represent residential and small commercial electricity consumers in regulatory proceedings. The bill adds these specific data sources to the Office's existing access rights without altering current data access provisions.

in committee · Texas · House May 7, 2025

HB 3673: Relating to the revocation of an occupational license from certain license holders and the issuance of a provisional occupational license to certain applicants with criminal convictions.

This bill requires Texas licensing authorities to issue provisional occupational licenses for six months to applicants with criminal convictions who are otherwise qualified for the license, unless they have specific serious convictions listed in the Occupations Code. The provisional license begins upon the applicant's release from incarceration if they were imprisoned. It applies to most occupational licensing fields (like healthcare or trades) but excludes applicants convicted of offenses under Section 53.021(a). The bill provides a pathway for certain applicants to obtain licenses without full revocation of eligibility.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Texas · House May 7, 2025

HB 2914: Relating to the designation of a portion of U.S. Highway 69 in Smith County as the Veterans Memorial Highway.

HB 2914 designates a specific segment of U.S. Highway 69 in Smith County - from its intersection with South State Loop 323 to the northern municipal limits of Bullard - as the "Veterans Memorial Highway." The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to install markers at both ends of the route and at appropriate intermediate points to indicate the designation. This is a symbolic, commemorative measure with no substantive policy changes or funding impacts. It does not affect any existing laws or regulations beyond the highway signage.

Topics ✓ Veterans

in committee · Texas · House May 7, 2025

HB 4912: Relating to requiring the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to waive fees for admission applications submitted to public institutions of higher education during certain periods.

HB 4912 requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to designate the second full week of October each year as "Free College Application Week." During this period, Texas residents applying for undergraduate admission to public colleges and universities in Texas would not have to pay application fees. The bill applies starting the 2025-2026 academic year and gives the Board authority to adopt necessary rules for implementation. This policy directly affects prospective students seeking admission to Texas public higher education institutions.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · Texas · House May 7, 2025

HB 2776: Relating to the criminal and licensing consequences for the commission of certain offenses by massage establishments, massage schools, massage therapists, and massage therapy instructors.

HB 2776 restricts licensing eligibility and mandates license revocation for massage professionals convicted of specific offenses. It makes massage establishments, schools, therapists, and instructors ineligible for licenses if convicted of offenses like sexual assault (Penal Code §§ 22.011, 22.021) or similar crimes, including deferred adjudication. The bill also requires license revocation if a therapist practices at a sexually oriented business or is convicted of offenses listed in Section 455.152. These provisions directly affect licensed massage professionals and businesses by linking criminal convictions to licensing consequences under Texas law. The bill amends existing licensing rules to clarify these restrictions but does not create new criminal offenses.

in committee · Texas · House May 7, 2025

HB 3605: Relating to a franchise tax credit for taxable entities that employ certain apprentices in broadband utility engineering or construction jobs.

HB 3605 creates a franchise tax credit for Texas businesses that hire apprentices in broadband utility engineering or construction jobs. To qualify, businesses must employ at least one apprentice for three months in a certified apprenticeship program, provide specific training in skills like pole climbing or fiber splicing, and obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Texas Workforce Commission. The credit directly benefits taxable entities (businesses) in the broadband sector by reducing their franchise tax liability. It applies to apprentices working in roles classified under 2022 NAICS code 237130, requiring programs to meet U.S. Department of Labor standards or be registered under Texas Education Code Chapter 133. The bill is currently pending in committee after being favorably reported with a committee substitute.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Technology

in committee · Texas · House May 7, 2025

HB 4113: Relating to the rating of child-care providers participating in the Texas Rising Star Program that install certain safety barriers.

The provided context does not include the actual text or details of HB 4113. The bill title mentions a connection to "rating child-care providers" in the Texas Rising Star Program related to "safety barriers," but no specific provisions, mechanisms, or policy changes are described in the available information. Without access to the bill's full text or substantive details, a factual summary cannot be generated. The bill is currently pending in committee with no further details provided in the context.

in committee · Texas · House May 7, 2025

HR 1060: Directing the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to regulate card and social clubs for safety and reliability across the state.

This resolution directs the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to implement and enforce existing safety and operational rules for card and social clubs, as established under House Bill 2127 (2023). It requires TDLR to develop clear licensing, inspection, and operational procedures to ensure these venues operate safely and reliably across Texas. The resolution mandates TDLR to collaborate with stakeholders like law enforcement and community groups, and to report progress to the legislature. It does not create new regulations but applies the framework from HB 2127 to card and social clubs.

in committee · Texas · House May 7, 2025

HB 2613: Relating to liability of a water park entity for injuries arising from certain activities.

HB 2613 would limit liability for water park owners/operators if they post a specific warning sign at the entrance. The sign must state: "TEXAS LAW LIMITS LIABILITY FOR INJURIES FROM WATER PARK ACTIVITIES." Exceptions include injuries caused by the water park's negligence, known dangerous conditions, or improper employee training. This law would only apply to injuries occurring after its effective date. The bill is currently pending in the legislature and has not become law.

in committee · Texas · House May 7, 2025

HB 4060: Relating to a local option exemption from ad valorem taxation by a taxing unit of all or part of the appraised value of the residence homestead of a peace officer employed by the taxing unit.

HB 4060 creates a local tax exemption for peace officers employed by a taxing unit (like a city or county). It allows these officers to receive a percentage-based exemption from property taxes on their primary residence homestead, depending on their years of service: 20% for 5-10 years, 40% for 10-15 years, 60% for 15-20 years, 80% for 20-25 years, or 100% for 25+ years. The exemption requires the local governing body to formally adopt it, and it applies only to property within the taxing unit where the officer is employed. This policy directly affects peace officers working for local governments who meet the service requirements.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes

Bill results