HB 23 exempts property taxes for specific nonprofits in Texas counties with 3.3 million or more residents (like Harris County). It applies to nonprofit corporations organized exclusively for charitable, educational, or scientific purposes that use their property to promote agriculture, support youth, or provide community educational programs. The exemption covers all real and personal property owned by these nonprofits but does not apply to for-profit leaseholders of such property. This change takes effect January 1, 2026, after the bill was signed into law in September 2025.
SB 8, the Texas Women's Privacy Act, requires certain facilities like restrooms, locker rooms, and shelters to be designated and used based on biological sex as defined by reproductive anatomy. It directly affects correctional facilities, family violence shelters, and institutions of higher education by mandating single-occupancy spaces for each biological sex and restricting access to multi-occupancy spaces based on sex. The bill defines "female" and "male" based on natural reproductive systems (e.g., egg production or sperm production) and authorizes civil penalties for violations, as well as private lawsuits to enforce compliance. The law became effective September 22, 2025, after being signed by the governor.
SB 12 requires law enforcement agencies to report election-related crimes to the Texas Attorney General's office and gives the Attorney General exclusive authority to prosecute these offenses. It mandates that local prosecutors assist the Attorney General when requested and specifies that the Attorney General must represent the state in all election crime cases. This bill directly affects law enforcement agencies (who must submit reports), local prosecutors (who may be directed to assist), and individuals who violate election laws. The law applies only to offenses committed after its effective date, which is 91 days after the legislative session ends.
SB 5 allocates over $290 million from Texas' economic stabilization fund to support disaster response and preparedness following a July 2025 flood declaration. It provides $200 million for FEMA matching funds and statewide disaster needs, $50 million for flood warning systems in 30 specific counties affected by the July flood, $24 million to improve weather forecasting accuracy, and $20 million for a swift water training facility for first responders. The funding targets local governments, emergency services, and meteorological systems to address immediate flood recovery and enhance future disaster management. The bill became effective immediately after the governor signed it on September 18, 2025.
This is a ceremonial resolution (HCR 14) congratulating Judge Lori Rickert on retiring as presiding judge of Brazoria County Court at Law No. 4 and Probate Court. It formally recognizes her 20 years of service, including her election as the county's first presiding judge in 2006, her work handling diverse cases, and her leadership of the Recovery Court program. The resolution, passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor, does not create new laws or affect any policies - it simply expresses the legislature's appreciation and sends a formal copy to Judge Rickert.
HCR 8 is a ceremonial concurrent resolution congratulating Charles and Margaret Semple of Midland on their 60th wedding anniversary. It formally recognizes their marriage milestone, which was celebrated on July 31, 2025, and extends the Texas Legislature's best wishes for their continued happiness. The resolution has been passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor, as part of standard commemorative practice for significant personal milestones.
SB 54 allows voters who have changed their residence within a county to vote immediately in upcoming elections without waiting 30 days, provided they submit a verified statement to election officials. The bill requires voters to confirm their current address and eligibility through a written statement detailing their new residence and all registration information. This change applies only to voters who submit such a statement after the bill's effective date (September 17, 2025), eliminating the previous 30-day waiting period for address updates. It directly affects voters who move within their county but haven't updated their registration records. The bill amends Texas Election Code sections 15.025 and 63.0011 to implement this immediate effect process.
HCR 6 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating the Senior Life Midland Meals on Wheels program for delivering its five millionth meal. It recognizes the program's history since 1974, including its expansion to support homebound seniors through meals and social interaction. The resolution formally commends the organization's work and expresses the Texas Legislature's appreciation for its service to older residents. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policy.
HB 20, the Disaster Scam Response Act, creates a voluntary program to help Texans identify legitimate charities during disasters by allowing local governments to recommend specific nonprofits or financial institutions for designation by the Secretary of State. This designation helps residents easily find trustworthy groups to donate to for disaster relief in their area during declared emergencies. The law also establishes a new criminal offense for fraudulent charitable solicitations during disasters and increases penalties for such crimes. It directly affects local governments, nonprofits, financial institutions, and individuals engaging in fraudulent donation schemes during declared disasters.
SB 14 requires local governments in Texas to offer credits against water and wastewater impact fees for builders and developers who construct eligible water conservation or reuse projects. These credits apply to facilities that reduce water use, decrease wastewater treatment needs, lower stormwater demands, or exceed standard efficiency requirements. Local governments must establish fair procedures to calculate and approve these credits. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, directly benefiting developers who invest in qualifying water-saving infrastructure.
SB 16 amends Texas law to adjust the statute of limitations for certain felony prosecutions under Article 12.01 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. It extends the time limit for filing felony charges in specific cases, including real property theft and fraud offenses, while establishing procedures for restitution and criminal prosecution. The bill directly affects individuals accused of these crimes by modifying when charges can be filed and outlining victim restitution processes. This law, signed by the Governor on September 17, 2025, creates a clearer framework for prosecuting property-related offenses but does not establish new crimes.
HB 18 restricts Texas legislators and related political committees from accepting political contributions exceeding a daily limit or making political expenditures for travel, food, or similar expenses during unexcused absences when legislators are outside Texas to avoid their legislative duties. The daily contribution cap matches the Texas Ethics Commission's per diem rate for legislative sessions, and the bill bans political spending on travel or meals during these absences. Violations could trigger civil penalties. The law aims to prevent campaign activity while legislators evade attendance requirements.
