HB 316 would expand Medicaid eligibility to certain low-income adults under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA), specifically targeting individuals who currently fall above the state's existing income threshold but qualify under the ACA's expanded criteria. This change would directly affect working adults and families who earn too much for traditional Medicaid but still struggle to afford health insurance. The bill's key provision would update the state's eligibility rules to align with the ACA's expansion, allowing more residents to access covered health services. The bill was filed on September 3, 2025, and remains pending legislative review.
The bill text for HB 315 ("Relating to the minimum wage") is currently unavailable in the provided context. The system notes that "This version is not currently available, but is coming soon" and directs users to a PDF for content. Since no specific provisions, affected parties, or mechanisms are described in the available information, a factual summary cannot be generated. The bill was filed on September 3, 2025, but details about its requirements or scope are not accessible here.
HB 313 sets specific temperature standards for facilities operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), requiring all such facilities to maintain indoor temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This applies directly to TDCJ prisons, detention centers, and other correctional facilities statewide. The bill adds Section 501.028 to the Government Code, establishing this range as a mandatory requirement. TDCJ will not need to comply with these standards until September 1, 2026, with the law taking effect 91 days after the legislative session ends.
HB 314 requires judges and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to provide written notice to certain individuals about their potential eligibility to register to vote after completing a felony conviction. Specifically, judges must notify defendants at the time of discharge from community supervision, and the department must notify offenders (including inmates or state jail defendants) upon completion of their sentence, including parole or mandatory supervision. The notice informs them they may be eligible to register to vote under Texas election law (Section 13.001). This requirement applies only to those who fully discharge their sentence or complete probation on or after the bill's effective date.
HB 320 prohibits the sale or transfer of semiautomatic rifles to anyone under 21 years old, expanding existing restrictions that previously only applied to children under 18 for other firearms. The bill amends Texas Penal Code Section 46.06 to make violations a state jail felony (up from a misdemeanor) for this specific transfer. It directly affects firearm sellers, dealers, and individuals under 21 attempting to purchase semiautomatic rifles. The law applies only to semiautomatic rifles, not all firearms, and does not change existing provisions for transfers to minors under 18 with parental consent. The bill is currently in the filing stage with no voting record yet.
HB 318 creates a new regulatory framework (Chapter 39A) in Texas law to allow utilities within the ERCOT power grid to connect to external power grids. It directly affects transmission and distribution utilities, municipally owned utilities, and electric cooperatives in Texas, granting them authority to build facilities for accessing power from outside ERCOT. Key provisions require the Public Utility Commission to approve interconnection applications (unless safety risks exist), coordinate with federal regulators, and identify potential transmission facilities for synchronous interconnection by September 2027. The bill establishes clear procedures for both synchronous and non-synchronous grid connections while maintaining ERCOT's operational independence under state law.
HJR 40 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Texas to expand Medicaid eligibility to all individuals who apply and qualify under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA), using available federal matching funds. This would directly affect low-income Texans who currently fall into a coverage gap under Texas Medicaid rules. The amendment would take effect January 1, 2026, but expire January 1, 2027, unless ratified by voters. It must be approved by Texas voters in the November 2025 election to become part of the state constitution. The proposal does not change existing Medicaid rules but mandates state action when federal funds are available.
HB 317 establishes the Climate Change Impact Assessment Council to study how climate change affects Texas residents' health, safety, and economy. The council, composed of legislative appointees and public members with expertise in climatology, the state economy, land management, and tourism, will assess climate impacts, estimate costs, research solutions for flooding and wildfires, and recommend policies. It must hold public hearings statewide and submit a final report to the legislature by January 1, 2027. The council expires on September 1, 2027, making this a time-limited study with no immediate policy changes. The bill directly affects all Texas residents by directing the council to evaluate climate risks specific to the state.
HB 319 requires certain employers in Texas to provide paid sick leave to employees for specific health-related needs. It mandates that employees may use this leave to care for themselves or covered family members (including spouses, children, parents, or individuals living in their household) due to illness, injury, family violence, sexual assault, or other qualifying health conditions. Employers who fail to comply face administrative and civil penalties. The bill defines key terms like "family member" and "health care professional" to clarify eligibility and scope.
This bill requires the Texas Water Development Board to study placement standards for recreational vehicles (RVs) and temporary dwelling structures in flood hazard areas. The study must assess whether new standards are needed, consult with FEMA and other agencies, and include legislative recommendations. The Board must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the governor and legislature by January 1, 2027, and the bill expires February 1, 2027. It does not create new laws but sets a process for future policy decisions.
HB 312 allows Texas municipalities and counties to seek voter approval for a supplemental local sales tax (up to 1%) to fund property tax relief and general government services. If approved by voters, the tax must be used specifically for reducing property tax rates and supporting local government operations. The bill establishes procedures requiring clear ballot language stating the tax's purpose and specifies that the tax rate won't count toward combined local tax rate limits. This legislation gives local governments a new tool to address budget needs through voter-approved revenue, while maintaining separation from existing sales tax structures.
This bill (SB 52) restricts political contributions during Texas special legislative sessions. It prohibits individuals from making contributions to statewide officeholders, legislators, or related committees from the start of a special session until its final adjournment. Contributors must return refused contributions within 30 days, with exceptions for contributions made for elections during the session or for election contests. The bill does not apply to contributions made before its effective date. (Note: The bill's stated title about real property disclosures appears inconsistent with the actual content, which focuses on campaign finance restrictions.)
