HB 165 requires Texas local governments to adopt comprehensive disaster plans addressing vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities, the homeless, and low-income households. It mandates a state-developed model guide for officials covering debris removal, federal funding access, housing coordination, and volunteer organization collaboration. The bill also requires emergency plans to include disability-specific measures like equitable shelter access, emergency notifications, wellness checks, and coordination with disability service providers. Additionally, it directs the State Health Services Department to create a public education program on disaster preparedness. These changes directly affect local emergency management officials and all Texas communities during disaster response and recovery.
HJR 22 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing Texas lawmakers to limit annual increases in the appraised value used for commercial property taxes. It would authorize the legislature to cap the taxable value of qualifying commercial properties at 120% (or a higher percentage) of the previous year's appraised value, preventing sudden tax jumps tied to market fluctuations. This directly affects commercial property owners by potentially reducing their annual tax burden if market values rise sharply. The amendment requires voter approval in the May 2, 2026 election and would take effect if passed, giving the legislature power to create specific rules for eligible properties. It does not change current tax law but enables future legislative action on commercial property taxation.
SB 37 creates two new judicial districts (the 501st and 502nd) entirely within Fort Bend County, Texas. The bill amends the Government Code to establish these districts, specifying that each is composed solely of Fort Bend County. This is a procedural change to the state's judicial district structure, directly affecting court operations in Fort Bend County. The bill takes effect 91 days after the legislative session ends.
SB 36 creates two new criminal offenses: real property theft (unlawfully taking someone's land or buildings) and real property fraud (deceiving someone to gain control of their property). It establishes a time limit (statute of limitations) for prosecutors to file charges for these crimes and aligns other time limits across Texas criminal law. The bill also increases penalties for certain offenses, though specific penalty amounts are not detailed in the provided text. This directly affects individuals who commit property-related crimes and the Texas criminal justice system handling such cases.
This non-binding resolution (HR 23) urges Governor Greg Abbott to return federal funds received through the federal reconciliation bill to Texas taxpayers via property tax relief. It does not create new policy or allocate funds - it is a symbolic request from the Texas House of Representatives. The resolution specifically asks the Governor to direct these federal funds toward reducing property taxes for Texans. As a resolution, it has no legal force and cannot compel the Governor to act. The House will forward a copy to the Governor's office as part of this formal request.
HB 168 limits how much commercial real estate property taxes can increase annually for properties valued at $10 million or less. It caps annual appraised value increases at either the previous year’s market value or 110% of the prior year’s appraised value plus the value of new improvements (like renovations or additions). The bill excludes homesteads, properties under other tax subchapters, and properties over $10 million. This change applies to commercial properties held for income generation, not residential homes, and aims to stabilize tax assessments for smaller commercial owners.
SB 40 requires the Texas Office of Court Administration to study digital court reporting, which uses technology to record court proceedings verbatim. The study must evaluate current usage in Texas courts (including cost, access, accuracy), analyze how other states use similar technology, and propose legislative changes. The office must submit a report to state leaders by October 1, 2026, and the bill expires September 1, 2027. This bill does not change laws but directs a review of court technology practices.
This is a commemorative resolution (HR 24) honoring Irene Kaye Michna of Taylor, Texas, who passed away on July 14, 2025. The resolution recognizes her life as a community volunteer, realtor, agricultural clerk, and devoted family member, highlighting her service to organizations like the Taylor Main Street Advisory Board and her receipt of two Volunteer of the Year awards. It formally pays tribute to her memory and extends sympathy to her family, with no policy changes or direct effects on constituents or legislation.
HR 27 is a commemorative resolution honoring John Wilbur Franklin of Galveston, who passed away on July 8, 2025. The resolution pays tribute to his life and service, including his 30+ years as a deck hand with the Texas Department of Transportation Galveston Ferry System and his work with the U.S. Merchant Marine. It extends condolences to his family and directs that an official copy be provided to them, while the Texas House of Representatives adjourns in his memory. This symbolic gesture does not create legal obligations or affect public policy.
HB 176 creates a grant program administered by the Commission on State Emergency Communications to assist nonprofit organizations providing emergency communications services (including 9-1-1) in Texas. The commission must develop rules for nonprofit applications, eligibility criteria, fund usage approval, and accountability measures to ensure public benefit. Grants may be funded through state appropriations or outside donations like gifts or grants. The program must be established within a reasonable timeframe after the bill’s effective date, as specified in Section 771.080 of the Health and Safety Code.
HB 172 prohibits Texas state agencies from promoting "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI) or LGBTQ-related content in their operations. It requires all state agency actions - including policies, employment practices, communications, curricula, and contracts - to treat people equally regardless of race, color, or national origin, while mandating that all actions comply with the "biological reality" of only two sexes (male/female). The bill invalidates any agency action violating these requirements, including DEI initiatives or content related to LGBTQ identities. This directly affects all state agencies, contractors, and programs receiving state funding or oversight.
HJR 23 proposes a constitutional amendment reserving initiative and referendum powers to Texas citizens. It would allow residents to directly propose new laws or constitutional changes by submitting a petition with a $1,000 fee (refundable if successful), two representative names, and a single-topic measure. The Texas Legislative Council would review petitions for constitutionality and fiscal impact, requiring a fiscal note if state funds are involved. If approved, the measure would proceed to a statewide voter referendum. This directly affects Texas citizens seeking to bypass legislative action to enact policies.
