HB 3895 directs the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (with the Texas Department of Transportation) to study wireless energy transmission for electric vehicles. The study must assess methods like magnetic induction for charging vehicles while moving, evaluate feasibility on Texas roads (prioritizing toll roads), identify specific roads for potential implementation, and estimate financial benefits. The institute must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the legislature by September 1, 2026. This bill is purely a study mandate with no immediate implementation or funding; it expires December 31, 2026.
SB 1497 requires Texas peace officers to obtain a warrant before searching a person's cell phone or wireless device during a lawful arrest, amending the Code of Criminal Procedure. This applies to most personal devices like smartphones but excludes devices such as skimmers or those designed to illegally obtain payment card information. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, directly affecting law enforcement procedures during arrests. It changes existing practice by mandating judicial oversight for device searches rather than allowing warrantless searches incident to arrest. The bill was signed into law by Governor Abbott on May 30, 2025.
HB 1976 establishes a Texas program for issuing digital versions of government-issued IDs, including digital driver's licenses, handgun licenses, hunting/fishing licenses, and other Department of Public Safety (DPS) credentials. The bill requires the DPS to create a digital ID solution that works on wireless devices, includes all standard license information (like driver's license details or hunting license stamps), and functions without strong internet connectivity. It mandates the DPS to upgrade infrastructure, implement authentication processes, and ensure law enforcement can accept digital IDs. This program directly affects Texans who hold these specific licenses, with no fees charged for digital ID issuance as specified in the bill.
HB 3213 requires companies installing buried fiber-optic cable to submit a map of their proposed installation to local municipalities or counties before excavation begins if work occurs in public right-of-ways. The bill directly affects construction firms and telecom providers performing underground cable work. Key provisions include mandating map submission (with local governments setting format requirements) and increasing civil penalties for violations - from $500-$1,000 for first offenses to $8,000-$10,000 for repeat violations within a year. It also clarifies that liability for damage to underground utilities remains regardless of whether penalties were pursued.
SB 962 requires Texas Medicaid and similar public benefits programs to allow recipients to receive specific services remotely via telehealth, including applied behavior analysis, behavior supports, and related evaluations. It directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries, child health plan enrollees, and others enrolled in state-administered public benefits programs. The bill mandates that these remote services be provided "to the extent permitted by federal law and cost-effective," covering services like therapy, case management, and waiver program assessments. Implementation is set for September 1, 2025, pending any necessary federal approvals.
HB 2276 requires Texas health agencies to allow Medicaid recipients, child health plan enrollees, and participants in state waiver programs (like CLASS, DBMD, HCS, and TxHmL) to access specific services via telehealth. The bill mandates telehealth options for applied behavior analysis, behavior supports, evaluations, therapy services, case management, and other listed benefits. Agencies must ensure these services are cost-effective and clinically effective as determined by the commission, while complying with federal law. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.
HB 3445 prevents electric cooperatives and municipalities from unfairly charging certificated telecommunications providers for using utility poles or public rights-of-way. It prohibits charging higher fees than existing contracts, mutual agreements, federal FCC rates, or commission-determined rates, and requires all non-affiliated telecom providers to pay a single uniform rate for pole attachments. The bill directly affects telecom companies seeking infrastructure access and electric cooperatives managing their poles. It mandates these uniform rates take effect by September 1, 2025.
HB 2825 exempts from Texas state sales and use tax tangible personal property used by cable television, internet access, and telecommunications service providers in their core operations. This includes equipment directly used to distribute cable TV, provide internet access, or transmit telecom services, but excludes property used for data processing or information services. The bill repeals a prior tax provision and ensures refunds for pre-effective date transactions filed by March 31, 2026, remain valid. The exemption becomes effective January 1, 2026.
This bill creates a sales and use tax exemption for tangible personal property directly used by providers of cable television, internet access, or telecommunications services. It exempts property sold, leased, or rented to these providers (or their subsidiaries) when used in distributing cable service, providing internet access, or transmitting telecom services. The exemption does not cover property used for data processing services or certain taxes under Subtitle C. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.
SB 1251 requires electric cooperatives in Texas to provide telecom companies with fair and non-discriminatory access to their rights-of-way (public pathways) and poles for installing equipment. It mandates that co-ops charge telecom providers rates no higher than those set by federal law (FCC rules) or agreed upon in existing contracts. The Public Utility Commission of Texas gains authority to enforce these rules and resolve disputes over pole attachment fees. This law directly affects certified telecom providers (like internet and phone companies) and electric cooperatives, ensuring predictable access for broadband infrastructure deployment. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.
