HB 2191 adjusts Texas school funding under the Foundation School Program to keep pace with inflation. It requires annual increases to the basic per-student allotment (currently $6,160) based on the Consumer Price Index, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The adjustment ensures school districts receive funding that maintains its purchasing power over time, with a minimum 0% increase if inflation is negative. This directly affects all Texas public school districts receiving Foundation School Program funding.
HB 2975 proposes a comprehensive regulatory framework for cannabis in Texas, creating new rules for businesses and consumers. It requires licenses for cannabis growers, retailers, and transporters, mandates testing and safety standards for products, and establishes a state tax on cannabis sales. The bill directly affects cannabis businesses seeking to operate legally, consumers purchasing cannabis products, and local governments managing cannabis establishment zoning. Key provisions include defining cannabis products, prohibiting certain uses, creating criminal penalties for unauthorized activities, and authorizing local fees for cannabis establishments. This bill aims to regulate all aspects of cannabis commerce while imposing specific licensing, tax, and safety requirements.
SB 214 creates a temporary tax exemption for sales and installation of qualifying residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in Texas. Homeowners purchasing new systems with a minimum 14 SEER rating that are Energy Star certified and installed by licensed contractors for their primary single-family residence can avoid sales and use taxes. The exemption applies to purchases made between March 1, 2026, and September 1, 2027, requiring purchasers to provide a certification form at the time of sale. The exemption expires December 31, 2027, and does not apply to rental properties, commercial use, or systems installed in structures less than one year old.
HB 1062 requires the Texas comptroller to purchase $4 billion in gold bullion and $1 billion in silver bullion during the 2025-2027 state fiscal biennium, depositing the metals into the Texas Bullion Depository. The bill appropriates $5 billion from general revenue funds specifically for this purpose. It directly affects the state treasury and the Texas Bullion Depository by authorizing a significant new allocation of state funds toward physical precious metals holdings. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, with no other provisions or mechanisms described.
SB 2178 restricts Texas state agencies from using public funds to sponsor, partner with, donate to, or support news media organizations, nonprofits, or private events. Exceptions include spending specifically authorized by law, spending directly related to an agency’s duties, purchasing newspaper subscriptions, or covering employee training costs. This bill directly affects state departments (like education or health agencies) when budgeting for external partnerships or events. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not apply to routine operational expenses like employee training or media subscriptions.
HB 1632 exempts animal food intended for domesticated pets (like dogs and cats) from Texas sales and use taxes. This directly affects pet food businesses and pet owners by reducing the cost of purchasing pet food. The bill amends the Texas Tax Code to add a specific exemption for "animal food intended for consumption by domesticated animals" under Chapter 151. It takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not change tax liability for purchases made before that date.
HB 247 exempts property owners in Texas counties bordering Mexico from paying property taxes on the increased tax value caused by border security infrastructure (like walls, fences, or roads) installed on their land under specific agreements. It also prevents government entities from having to pay higher property taxes when purchasing land or easements for border security projects, as the price paid for those parcels won’t factor into appraising other nearby properties. The law applies only to real property in border counties and covers both infrastructure built on private land and government acquisitions for such projects. This directly affects landowners in border counties and state/federal agencies managing border security. The policy change simplifies tax treatment for border infrastructure development without altering overall property tax rates.
HB 1770 requires Texas school districts to receive annual adjustments to their basic funding under the Foundation School Program to keep pace with inflation. Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, the funding increase will be the lesser of 3% or the annual inflation rate (based on the Consumer Price Index). This adjustment directly affects all public school districts receiving state funding through the Foundation School Program. The bill ensures school funding maintains its purchasing power over time without requiring annual legislative action for each adjustment. The legislature may still set a lower amount in the budget, but it must not fall below the original funding level.
HB 4725 would create a sales tax exemption for the sale, lease, or installation of distributed energy systems, such as residential solar panels or small business wind turbines. The exemption would remove state sales tax from the full cost of these systems, including installation, for both homeowners and businesses. This policy directly affects individuals and companies purchasing renewable energy equipment by reducing their upfront costs. The bill does not specify additional requirements or eligibility criteria beyond the system type and user category.
HB 3830 creates a franchise tax credit for businesses operating concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) located in major sole source impairment zones under Texas Water Code. It allows eligible entities to claim a credit equal to their actual costs for transporting agricultural waste outside these zones (covering fuel, labor, and equipment), capped at 50% of their franchise tax after other credits. Unused credits may be carried forward for up to 10 years. The bill directly affects CAFOs meeting specific water code location and waste transport requirements, aiming to incentivize waste management outside sensitive water zones.
