HB 158 prohibits cities, counties, and other political subdivisions from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay nonprofit associations that hire lobbyists to influence legislation. It allows exceptions for lobbying related to military, veterans, or military service issues, and for nonprofit associations providing specific legislative services like bill tracking or testimony. The bill restricts local governments from spending taxpayer money on lobbying activities while permitting limited exceptions for certain legislative support. Taxpayers may seek court action to stop violations and recover legal fees if the restriction is breached.
HR 100 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Texas House of Representatives to honor Jack R. Wade, a Killeen-area business leader and military veteran who died on August 19, 2025. The resolution formally pays tribute to Wade’s life, highlighting his service in the U.S. Army (including the Vietnam War and Desert Storm), his work with local chambers of commerce, and his family. It extends sympathy to his wife, children, grandchildren, and the broader community he served. The resolution was adopted by the House on September 2, 2025, and directs that an official copy be provided to his family. This procedural bill does not create new laws or affect policy - it solely serves as a formal memorial.
This resolution (SR 62) is a ceremonial tribute from the Texas Senate recognizing Longview resident Bill Presson for receiving the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal from South Korea. It honors his service as a U.S. Army veteran during the Korean War, including his duties in the Battle of Pork Chop Hill and post-war work on the Armistice Line. The resolution formally congratulates Mr. Presson and provides him with an official copy as a gesture of the Senate's respect for his military service. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect any policies.
HB 235 exempts sales and use taxes on taxable items purchased by Texas veterans with a 100% disability rating (defined as "totally disabled veterans" under state law). It allows up to $25,000 in annual purchases to be tax-free when buyers complete and present a certificate form developed by the comptroller. The exemption requires the form to be submitted at the time of purchase and applies only to the first $25,000 spent yearly by qualified veterans or their authorized representatives. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, with the exemption form to be posted online by December 31, 2025.
HJR 25 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas to create property tax exemptions for disabled veterans based on their disability rating. It would authorize exemptions ranging from 20% to 100% of a property's assessed value, depending on the veteran's disability rating (e.g., 10-30% rating = 20% exemption). Special provisions include 80% exemptions for veterans over 65 or with specific disabilities (like limb loss or blindness), and exemptions for surviving spouses/children of disabled veterans or those who died on active duty. The amendment requires voter approval in the November 2025 election. If passed, it would replace current constitutional language governing these exemptions.
HB 201 creates a property tax exemption for partially disabled veterans and their surviving spouses in Texas. It allows veterans with a 10% to 99% disability rating to exempt a percentage of their home's appraised value equal to their disability rating. Surviving spouses who haven't remarried and continue living in the same home as the veteran at the time of death also qualify for the same exemption percentage. The exemption applies to the residence homestead and requires the surviving spouse to maintain the property as their primary home.
HB 250 increases property tax exemptions for disabled veterans in Texas. It provides tiered exemptions based on disability rating: 20% to 100% of a property's assessed value (capped at $5,000 to $12,000 depending on the rating). Veterans over 65 with a 10%+ disability, those who are totally blind, or those who lost a limb also qualify for an 80% exemption ($12,000 cap). Surviving spouses retain the veteran's exemption amount as long as they remain unmarried, and children under 18 who are unmarried may also receive the exemption if the spouse predeceased the veteran. The bill directly affects disabled veterans, their surviving spouses, and eligible children.
This proposed constitutional amendment would authorize Texas to create property tax exemptions for the homes of partially disabled veterans. It would allow the legislature to exempt a percentage of a home's value equal to the veteran's disability rating (10-99%), such as a 30% exemption for a veteran with a 30% disability rating. Surviving spouses would continue to qualify under existing rules for veterans' exemptions. The amendment requires voter approval before any tax changes can take effect.
HB 202 creates a property tax exemption for partially disabled veterans and their surviving spouses in Texas. It allows veterans with a disability rating of 10% to 99% to exempt a percentage of their home’s appraised value equal to their disability rating (e.g., a 40% rating exempts 40% of the tax). Surviving spouses who haven’t remarried and continued living in the veteran’s homestead are eligible for the same exemption amount if the veteran qualified before death. The bill amends the Tax Code to implement this change, requiring documentation for eligibility and transferring the exemption amount if a surviving spouse moves to a new primary residence.
HB 210 amends Texas law to clarify what qualifies as a "residence homestead" for tax exemption purposes, directly affecting totally disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The bill adds two specific provisions to the definition: (1) personal property (like furniture or appliances) located at the claimed residence and used as the primary home, and (2) residential structures (such as garages or sheds) at the same address with identical ownership and primary residential use. These changes ensure veterans and their families can claim tax exemptions for a broader range of property tied to their primary residence. The updated definition applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
