Environment in Texas | MyRepTracker

introduced · Texas · House Aug 15, 2025

HB 76: Relating to prohibiting certain criteria in a local governmental agency contractor selection process.

HB 76 prohibits local government agencies in Texas from considering non-relevant factors when selecting contractors for goods or services. Specifically, it bans agencies from using criteria unrelated to cost, quality, reliability, or legal compliance - such as environmental, social, or governance preferences - during competitive procurement processes. The bill requires agencies to publicly list all written selection criteria in bid documents and solicitation materials. If violations occur, the Attorney General can order removal of prohibited criteria, termination of contracts, or void contracts that aren’t executed within 10 days of notice. This directly affects all local governmental agencies that use competitive contracting processes for purchasing goods or services.

Topics ✗ Environment

introduced · Texas · Senate Aug 18, 2025

SB 41: Relating to the consideration by a groundwater conservation district of modeled available groundwater when issuing permits.

SB 41 amends Texas Water Code §36.1132 to limit groundwater permits. It requires groundwater conservation districts to ensure that no single applicant’s total permitted groundwater production and transfer out of the district exceeds 5% of the district’s modeled available groundwater supply, as determined by the executive administrator. This directly affects groundwater conservation districts and applicants seeking permits for groundwater extraction. The bill applies only to permits issued on or after its effective date.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

introduced · Texas · Senate Aug 20, 2025

SB 47: Relating to flood projects financed through the flood infrastructure fund.

Texas Senate Bill 47 amends the Water Code to expand the definition of "flood project" for funding through the flood infrastructure fund. It specifically adds provisions allowing projects using nature-based features for flood risk reduction, multi-purpose infrastructure that captures floodwater for water supply, and the acquisition of primary residences in 100-year floodplains from low-income homeowners (under 200% of federal poverty level). The bill exempts these newly defined projects from certain prior requirements under Section 15.534(c). This change directly affects communities in flood-prone areas and local entities managing flood infrastructure funding.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

introduced · Texas · House Aug 19, 2025

HCR 11: Urging the Department of Homeland Security to expedite the approval of all FEMA applications for flood mitigation projects in Texas.

This concurrent resolution (HCR 11) urges the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to expedite approval of FEMA flood mitigation funding applications in Texas. It specifically references two stalled projects - the Combes Lateral Drainage Improvement (submitted February 2024) and North Main Drainage Improvement (submitted April 2025) - which remain pending at DHS despite meeting federal requirements. The resolution does not change laws but formally requests faster federal processing to protect communities in flood-prone areas. It is a non-binding request directed to DHS and FEMA, not a legislative mandate.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Natural Disasters Tags Emergency Management

in committee · Texas · House Aug 21, 2025

HB 193: Relating to the volume of groundwater production authorized through the issuance of permits by a groundwater conservation district.

HB 193 would require Texas groundwater conservation districts to limit new water permits so that total groundwater use (including unpermitted "exempt" use) does not exceed the scientifically modeled available groundwater volume. It directly affects districts issuing permits and individuals/businesses seeking to pump groundwater. The key provision amends the Water Code to mandate districts consider all water use together when setting permit limits, preventing permits from hindering long-term water sustainability goals. The bill is currently pending in the Natural Resources Committee after being filed on August 18, 2025.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

introduced · Texas · House Aug 25, 2025

HB 294: Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the amount of the appraised value of certain residential real property that arises from the installation in the property of certain energy efficiency-related improvements.

HB 294 creates a property tax exemption for residential homeowners in Texas who install qualifying energy efficiency improvements after January 1, 2027. The exemption applies only to properties built before 2011 and covers the increased tax value resulting from improvements like high-efficiency HVAC systems, insulation, smart thermostats, or solar-ready windows. Homeowners must install these upgrades after 2027 to qualify, and the comptroller will develop guidelines to help local tax officials administer the exemption. This policy directly affects existing residential property owners seeking to reduce long-term tax burdens through energy-efficient home upgrades.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Property Tax Tax Incentives Energy Efficiency Solar

vetoed · Texas · Senate Sep 17, 2025

SB 18: Relating to an exemption from the requirement to obtain a permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for certain dams or reservoirs operated and maintained for the purposes of erosion, floodwater, and sediment control.

This bill proposes an exemption from Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) permitting requirements for specific dams and reservoirs. It directly affects qualified local sponsors - such as soil conservation districts or flood control authorities with USDA agreements under the Watershed Protection Act - that operate dams for erosion, floodwater, and sediment control. The exemption allows these entities to construct, maintain, or divert water from dams/reservoirs with normal storage under 200 acre-feet without a TCEQ permit, including for repair and maintenance. The exemption remains in effect even if their USDA agreement ends, as long as the dam continues serving its original purpose.

Topics ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Water Quality

introduced · Texas · House Aug 15, 2025

HB 179: Relating to an alert system for notification of a toxic chemical release by a manufacturing facility.

HB 179 creates a statewide toxic chemical emergency alert system requiring immediate notification when manufacturing facilities release chemicals that endanger public health or the environment. The system mandates that state agencies notify residents within 30 minutes using reverse 9-1-1 calls, texts, emails, and social media in both English and Spanish, with options to customize alerts based on location and chemical movement. Residents near affected facilities will receive geographic threat maps, symptom information, and links to updated safety resources through the system. The bill also allows residents to opt out of receiving alerts and requires the alert system to align with existing emergency notification models. This directly affects communities surrounding manufacturing facilities in Texas.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Hazardous Materials

introduced · Texas · Senate Aug 15, 2025

SB 28: Relating to the regulation of groundwater produced in the boundaries of a groundwater conservation district.

SB 28 limits groundwater transfers outside a conservation district by restricting permits that would allow an applicant to exceed 5% of the district's modeled available groundwater (effective after December 2025). It requires groundwater districts to obtain approval from at least two-thirds of neighboring districts in the management area before issuing permits for transfers exceeding 25,000 gallons daily, considering regional water goals. Exceptions apply for potable water transfers to retail utilities within their service areas or emergency interconnects between utilities. The bill directly affects entities seeking large-scale groundwater permits and groundwater conservation districts managing water transfers. These provisions aim to regulate cross-district groundwater use while preserving regional water sustainability goals.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Drinking Water

introduced · Texas · House Aug 21, 2025

HJR 32: Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation a portion of the appraised value of certain land that is located in a priority groundwater management area and is not irrigated.

HJR 32 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to create a property tax exemption for certain landowners. It would authorize exempting up to 35% of the appraised value of non-irrigated land (at least half an acre) located in designated "priority groundwater management areas." The exemption would not apply to land already covered by other appraisal laws. This change would directly affect landowners in specific groundwater regions who meet the eligibility criteria, but the actual tax relief would depend on future legislation implementing the exemption.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives

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