SB 750 exempts employed paramedics working for Texas local governments (like cities or counties) from paying tuition and laboratory fees at public colleges when taking emergency medical services courses. This applies to paramedics currently employed by a political subdivision, but requires them to maintain satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certificate. The exemption does not cover security deposits, additional tuition charges for residents, or graduate-level fees exceeding standard rates. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board must create rules defining qualifying paramedic certifications and a uniform list of eligible degree programs.
HB 2133 creates a one-time property tax credit for first-time homebuyers in Texas who establish their primary residence on a property. The credit equals the lesser of $3,000 multiplied by the portion of taxes paid to a specific taxing unit (like a city or county) or half the taxes owed to that unit. To qualify, applicants must file an application with their local chief appraiser by the deadline for homestead exemptions, affirming they’ve never previously claimed this credit. The bill also adjusts school district taxable value calculations to exclude the credit amount when determining school funding, ensuring the credit doesn’t reduce overall tax revenue for school districts. The bill is currently pending in committee and not yet law.
HB 2214 modifies Texas Property Code to clarify notice requirements for tenants in floodplain leased dwellings. It exempts short-term leases (under 30 days) and temporary residential arrangements tied to property sales (max 90 days) from mandatory floodplain notices. Landlords must provide written notices via lease addendum, separate document, or lease paragraph - signed by both parties - before lease execution. The changes apply only to leases entered into or renewed on or after September 1, 2025.
HB 1367 would allow Texas counties to create a $100,000 property tax exemption for homeowners' primary residences, adopted by county commissioners courts before July 1 each year. The exemption applies only to the county's portion of property taxes (not school or other taxes) and cannot exceed $100,000 per home. This bill requires voter approval of a related constitutional amendment in 2025 to take effect, with implementation beginning January 2026. It directly affects homeowners in counties that choose to adopt this exemption, reducing their county property tax burden.
SB 1672 requires Texas public high schools to offer at least one mandatory course focused on personal financial literacy, with at least two-thirds of the course time dedicated to topics like budgeting, debt management, and investing. This policy directly affects all public high school students in Texas, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill mandates the State Board of Education to adopt rules ensuring this curriculum requirement is implemented. It does not change existing graduation standards but adds a specific financial literacy component to required coursework.
HB 952 requires all mail-in early voting ballots to include a unique electronic code that election officials can scan to verify authenticity. It mandates that clerks and ballot boards use electronic devices to check these codes against issued ballots before counting, rejecting any ballot with a mismatched code. The bill explicitly prohibits creating records linking individual voters to these codes, ensuring voter anonymity. This change applies to all mail-in ballots processed under Texas election law, taking effect September 1, 2025.
HB 3581 extends the redemption period for elderly homeowners whose primary residences (homesteads) were sold at a tax sale. Currently, owners have two years to reclaim their property by paying the purchase price plus fees and a 25-50% premium; this bill adds a third year of redemption. The bill directly affects seniors (65+ years, as defined by Texas law) who lost their homesteads to tax sales but wish to regain ownership. Key provision: It amends Texas Tax Code to allow redemption "on or before a later anniversary" of the sale date, specifically adding a third year with the same premium structure (25% in first year, 50% in second/third years). This change aims to provide more time for elderly residents to recover their homes after tax delinquency.
HB 3529 allows racing facilities with seating capacity over 40,000 to temporarily sell alcohol during motor racing events or similar events held at the facility. It permits mixed beverage permit holders to sell distilled spirits, wine, and malt beverages for up to five consecutive days (six if events are postponed due to natural disasters), with specific restrictions including a limit of two drinks per person, no sales in factory-sealed containers, and sales must stop after 75% of the feature race or one hour before the last event ends. The bill also requires permit holders to purchase alcohol from authorized local distributors and report sales data to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. This affects large racing venues, their licensed vendors, and attendees at these events.
HB 1370 would create a property tax exemption for the portion of a property's appraised value resulting from using xeriscape landscaping (water-conserving landscaping that reduces irrigation needs). Property owners who implement xeriscape would have that specific value increase excluded from their ad valorem tax assessment. The exemption would apply to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, but only if voters approve a related constitutional amendment in the 2025 election. If the amendment fails, the bill would not take effect.
SB 82 protects businesses that post required signs prohibiting concealed handguns on their premises from civil liability if a criminal act occurs there. Specifically, it adds a new immunity provision to the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, stating that businesses complying with Section 30.06 of the Penal Code (by posting proper signs) cannot be sued for damages related to crimes committed on their property. This directly affects Texas businesses that choose to enforce handgun prohibitions through signage. The law would take effect September 1, 2025, applying only to claims arising after that date.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to extend the redemption period for elderly homeowners (65 or older) who lose their primary residence at a tax sale. Currently, owners have two years to buy back their home by paying the sale price plus fees and up to 25% extra. The amendment would lengthen this to four years, requiring payment of the sale price plus fees plus up to 50% extra during the final year. It must be approved by voters in November 2025 before taking effect on January 1, 2026, and would only apply to properties with deeds filed for record after that date.
HB 3906 would allow counties with populations under 250,000 to set nighttime noise limits for residential properties in unincorporated areas through commissioners court orders. It explicitly excludes firearms and fireworks from these regulations. Violating such noise orders would be classified as a Class C misdemeanor. The bill applies only to unincorporated residential zones and takes effect September 1, 2025.
