HB 15 would modify Texas business law to strengthen the state's control over domestic business entities. It requires that internal disputes (like shareholder disagreements) must be resolved in Texas courts only, and allows companies to include in their governing documents a waiver of jury trials for such claims. This applies to all Texas-formed businesses (corporations, LLCs, etc.) and prevents other states' laws from overriding Texas business regulations. The bill does not change how businesses are formed but dictates where internal legal conflicts must be handled. The law would take effect if passed, making Texas the exclusive venue for internal business disputes.
SB 325 modifies Texas county regulations for land subdivisions by exempting certain landowners from requiring county-approved subdivision plats. It prohibits counties from demanding plats for: (1) agricultural land as defined in the Texas Constitution, or (2) subdivisions where all lots exceed 10 acres without planned streets, parks, or public rights-of-way. This primarily affects rural property owners and county land development offices handling land divisions. The bill also permits counties in groundwater management areas to establish water use requirements when platting is otherwise required, though this provision is secondary to the main exemptions. It takes effect September 1, 2025.
HB 3508 requires insurers to conduct regular reviews and audits of third-party administrators (TPAs) handling insurance benefits for over 100 clients (such as policyholders or injured employees). Specifically, insurers must perform a semiannual review (at least twice yearly) of TPA operations and a biennial on-site audit (every two years). This applies to insurers using TPAs managing benefits for more than 100 clients, directly affecting those insurers and their contracted administrators. The bill amends Texas Insurance Code Section 4151.1042 and takes effect September 1, 2025, if passed.
This concurrent resolution authorizes the burial of Guy Herman, a former Travis County probate judge, in the Texas State Cemetery. It follows existing law (Government Code § 2165.256) requiring the State Cemetery Committee to approve such burials based on a person's significant contribution to Texas history. The resolution specifically cites Judge Herman's 30+ years of service, including his work on mental health reforms, probate court leadership, and community contributions. The authorization is conditional on the State Cemetery Committee approving his burial application as required by law.
HB 2322 sets specific annual base salary amounts for Texas judges, directly affecting district judges, appeals court justices, and supreme court justices. It establishes a minimum $140,000 state base salary for district judges (capped at $5,000 below appeals court chief justice salaries), 110% of district judge pay for most appeals court justices (with a $5,000 cap), and 120% for supreme court justices, while providing a $2,500 premium for chief justices. The bill also introduces a new annual adjustment formula requiring salaries to increase by the prior biennium's amount plus a percentage based on average salary growth. All salary calculations include caps on combined state and county pay to prevent exceeding specific thresholds for higher courts.
HB 5697 expands the authority of Tom Green County courts at law by granting them concurrent jurisdiction with district courts in family law cases. This means both court types can now handle family law matters in Tom Green County, directly affecting residents filing such cases there. The bill amends the Government Code to establish this new jurisdiction, effective September 1, 2025, for cases filed on or after that date. Cases filed before the effective date will continue to follow the previous jurisdiction rules.
HB 3484 amends Texas law to streamline agreements between border municipalities. It allows cities to formalize cooperative agreements through similar local ordinances (Section 1) and extends funding eligibility to shared infrastructure projects located within 30 miles of a border municipality (Section 2). This directly affects border cities collaborating on facilities like roads or water systems, making them eligible for state grants, loans, and bonds as if the projects were fully within Texas. The bill takes effect in 2025 if approved by a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers.
HB 4066 would end the Texas Research Incentive Program by removing it from the state's Education Code. This program currently provides tax credits to companies conducting research and development in Texas. The bill would eliminate this specific incentive, directly affecting businesses that currently qualify for these tax credits. The repeal would take effect on September 1, 2027, if passed. The bill is procedural and focuses solely on removing the program, not on creating new policies.
HB 4153 clarifies that standard grant and contract management rules (from Chapter 783 of the Government Code) do not apply to certain contracts managed by the Texas Water Development Board. Specifically, it exempts contracts under Subchapters B, C, F, H, I, K, P, or R of the Water Code, including those for economically distressed areas or nonborder colonias under Subchapter C. This change only affects contracts entered into on or after September 1, 2025; existing contracts remain subject to prior rules. The bill modifies an existing Water Code provision to streamline administrative requirements for these specific water development programs.
HB 1338 allows commissioners courts in Texas counties with 355,000 or more residents to establish uniform work hour rules for specific employees, including department heads, deputies, and other staff whose pay is set by the court. The bill amends Local Government Code Section 157.021(a) to authorize these uniform rules, directly affecting county employees in larger jurisdictions. Key provisions require counties meeting the population threshold to adopt and enforce standardized work schedules for eligible staff. The bill takes effect immediately if approved by a two-thirds vote in both chambers, or September 1, 2025, otherwise.
HCR 125 is a concurrent resolution passed by the Texas Legislature urging the U.S. Department of Defense and national security leadership to recognize Texas' critical role in defense innovation and maintain/expansion of federal investment in the state's defense infrastructure. It specifically highlights Texas' hosting of major defense entities like the U.S. Army Futures Command, Defense Innovation Unit, and 16+ military/intelligence agencies, noting their contributions to national security and economic growth. The resolution expresses concern that federal budget shifts could weaken Texas' defense capabilities and requests continued support for research, development, and operational infrastructure at these locations. The Texas secretary of state will forward this resolution to the U.S. Secretary of Defense, the President, and Texas' congressional delegation.
This concurrent resolution urges Congress to allow U.S. citizens to use state-issued REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses as travel documents for entering the U.S. at land and sea border crossings. Currently, travelers must present a passport or other specific documents (like a passport card or enhanced driver's license), even though REAL ID cards already verify identity and citizenship per federal standards. Texas, which began issuing REAL ID-compliant cards in 2016 and will require them for federal purposes by 2025, argues these cards should be accepted under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. The resolution requests Congress amend the travel initiative to include REAL ID cards as valid entry documents for U.S. citizens.
