Relating to the age limit for a beginning position in a fire department under municipal civil service.

HB 1985 amends Texas law to set age limits for entry-level firefighters in municipal fire departments. It requires applicants to be at least 18 but not older than 35 to take entrance exams (previously 18-36), and prohibits certification for applicants 45 or older (previously 36). Municipalities facing recruitment emergencies due to these limits may temporarily hire applicants aged 45+ with commission approval. The bill directly affects fire department applicants and local governments managing civil service hiring. It takes effect September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote.