HB 2032 creates a property tax exemption for partially disabled veterans and their surviving spouses in Texas. It allows disabled veterans with a 10% to 99% disability rating to exempt a percentage of their primary home’s value equal to their rating (e.g., 30% disability = 30% tax exemption). Surviving spouses who haven’t remarried and kept the same home qualify for the same exemption amount if the veteran died before the law took effect or qualified under the new rule. The exemption transfers if the spouse moves to a new primary home, with a certificate from the appraisal district confirming the original exemption amount.
HJR 209 is a proposed constitutional amendment (not a law) that, if approved by voters in 2025, would allow Texas lawmakers to create a one-time property tax credit for first-time homebuyers. The credit would reduce ad valorem taxes (property taxes) on a person's first home that qualifies as their primary residence, capped at $3,000 or half the tax amount owed to the local government. Local governments would be reimbursed by the state for lost tax revenue from this credit. This amendment requires voter approval and does not currently change any tax rules.
HB 5217 amends Texas Local Government Code §140.011 to provide state aid to local governments (cities, counties) that experience significant revenue loss from granting property tax exemptions to disabled veterans and surviving spouses of military members killed in action. A local government qualifies if the lost tax revenue from these exemptions equals or exceeds 2% of its general fund revenue for the fiscal year. The state calculates aid by subtracting 1% of the local government’s general fund revenue from the total lost tax revenue, with applications due annually by May 1. This policy directly compensates affected localities for revenue shortfalls caused by existing tax relief programs, not by creating new exemptions.
HJR 119 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to create a property tax exemption for partially disabled veterans' homes. It would authorize exemptions equal to a veteran's disability rating (10-99%) on the market value of their primary residence homestead, or for surviving spouses meeting specific conditions (no remarriage, continued residency). The exemption would apply to the portion of the home's value matching the veteran's disability percentage, with no additional restrictions beyond those already in place for veterans. This constitutional change requires voter approval in the November 2025 election and is currently pending in committee.
SB 322 limits annual increases in the appraised value of non-homestead real property (such as commercial, rental, or investment properties) for Texas property tax purposes to 20% per year, instead of the previous 10% cap. This directly affects property owners of non-primary residences, excluding homesteads, mineral interests, and properties under special appraisal rules. The bill requires tax offices to notify owners about this 20% annual increase limit and includes an expiration date of December 31, 2031. The provision applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2026, pending voter approval of a related constitutional amendment.
SB 2009 updates how court-appointed attorneys are paid for representing people who cannot afford a lawyer in criminal and juvenile cases. It requires counties to establish clear fee schedules based on reasonable costs and overhead, and mandates that attorneys submit itemized service records for approval. If payment is denied or delayed, attorneys can appeal to a regional judge within 60 days, with counties required to pay approved amounts within 45 days. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to payments for services after that date.
HB 3310 allows certain small counties (under 50,000 population adjacent to both a large county and a very small county) to regulate noise from loudspeakers or sound amplifiers. It permits counties to prohibit sound exceeding 70 decibels at 50 feet from property lines during specific hours: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 11:59 p.m. to 8 a.m. Friday-Saturday. The bill includes exemptions for emergency vehicles, utilities (electric, gas, telecom), oil/gas operations, schools, and county events like parades. These regulations apply only to unincorporated areas within the county.
HB 4259 allows counties with populations over 100,000 to have their commissioners court hire a county purchasing agent, even if the existing board (per Section 262.011) has already appointed one. The bill requires the commissioners court to hold a public hearing before making this appointment and mandates that they remove the board-appointed agent and transfer all purchasing authority to the commissioners court. This directly affects larger Texas counties (over 100,000 residents) by shifting control of purchasing agent roles from county boards to commissioners courts. The policy change clarifies authority without creating new positions or altering purchasing procedures.
HB 4115 establishes requirements for shareholders to submit proposals to certain Texas corporations with national stock listings. It applies to Texas-formed companies listed on national exchanges that either have their main office in Texas or are listed on a Texas-approved exchange. To submit a proposal, shareholders must own either $1 million in market value of voting shares or 3% of the company’s voting shares for six months and secure support from 67% of voting shareholders. The bill does not apply to director nominations or procedural meeting resolutions. This is a procedural rule change affecting shareholder voting rights, effective September 1, 2025.
SB 2680 modifies Texas' public information law to clarify how government agencies handle requests during emergencies and protect personal details in licensing records. It allows the attorney general to temporarily designate up to 30 nonbusiness days per year for agencies unable to respond due to disasters, requiring public posting of these designations online. The bill also strengthens privacy protections by explicitly making home addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, and other personal details confidential in licensing authority records (like professional licenses). These changes directly affect Texas government agencies processing public information requests and the individuals whose personal data is maintained in licensing systems. The law maintains existing privacy exceptions but adds specific, clear protections for sensitive personal information.
HB 4270 allows certain taxing units (like school districts) to offer property tax abatements for homeowners in designated reinvestment zones. It specifically applies to properties newly occupied as primary residences within the past year, requiring homeowners to spend at least $500 on repairs or improvements during the first year of the agreement. The tax break lasts up to 10 years, with the taxing unit retaining the right to recapture lost revenue or cancel the agreement if improvements aren't made as specified. This policy directly affects homeowners in qualifying reinvestment zones who meet the spending and occupancy requirements.
HB 4021 creates a legal framework for the Railroad Commission of Texas to declare oil or gas emergencies (such as uncontrolled well releases) and provides liability protection for individuals or companies offering emergency assistance. The bill defines an "oil or gas emergency" as incidents involving production, storage, or transportation of oil/gas, requiring the Commission to issue a proclamation detailing the emergency type and affected area. It grants immunity from civil lawsuits for those providing assistance, advice, or resources in good faith during a declared emergency, provided the help was requested by a state, local, or federal agency. This protection applies only to emergencies declared under the bill and excludes cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
