Texas Bills

introduced · Texas · House Jul 14, 2025

HB 84: Relating to a statewide order issued by the commissioner of state health services authorizing a pharmacist to dispense ivermectin.

HB 84 authorizes Texas pharmacists to dispense ivermectin for human use without a doctor's prescription, directly affecting pharmacists and patients seeking this medication. The bill requires the state health commissioner to issue a statewide order with standardized protocols for pharmacists, including patient instructions and annual reporting on dispensing volumes. It also provides legal protection for pharmacists who follow the order, shielding them from liability or disciplinary action. The commissioner must issue this order within 91 days after the legislative session ends, implementing the policy changes outlined in the new Health and Safety Code section.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Katrina Pierson (R) Wes Virdell (R) Joanne Shofner (R) Cody Harris (R) Terry Wilson (R) · 71 co-sponsors

vetoed · Texas · Senate Jun 22, 2025

SB 2501: Relating to selection of an attorney by an indigent parent as attorney ad litem for the parent in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship.

SB 2501 would allow indigent parents in certain family court cases - such as those opposing termination of parental rights or custody disputes - to select their own attorney instead of relying solely on a court-appointed one. The bill requires courts to inform these parents of their right to choose a licensed Texas attorney who meets state bar requirements (including good standing and continuing education). It applies to indigent parents opposing cases, including those served by publication or with unknown location. The bill also ensures courts cannot interfere with a parent’s chosen attorney, who must then serve as the parent’s official counsel.

signed · Texas · Senate Jun 22, 2025

SB 973: Relating to the periodic reappraisal of property by, and the prohibition on posting on the Internet certain information held by, an appraisal district.

SB 973 prohibits Texas property tax offices (appraisal districts) from posting certain residential property information online, specifically interior photos, detailed floor plans, or records showing specific interior features. It allows posting of aerial photos showing multiple buildings, street-level exterior photos, and field records showing only building outlines, general landscape features, and basic property dimensions. The law directly affects residential property owners by restricting how detailed property data can be shared publicly online. This is a concrete policy change limiting public access to specific types of property assessment information.

Topics ✓ Technology

signed · Texas · House Jun 22, 2025

HB 2421: Relating to the date of dissolution of the Save Historic Muny District.

HB 2421 sets a deadline for the Save Historic Muny District to secure land preservation for the Lions Municipal Golf Course or face dissolution. The bill requires the district to enter into an agreement with the landowner by May 31, 2027, to purchase the land or preserve it as a public golf course or parkland. If no such agreement is in place by that date, the district must dissolve under Section 3988.0901 of the Local Government Code. This directly affects the district’s operations and its relationship with the city regarding the historic golf course property.

vetoed · Texas · Senate Jun 22, 2025

SB 1838: Relating to the appointment of attorneys ad litem and the compensation of certain attorneys ad litem in suits affecting the parent-child relationship filed by a governmental entity.

This bill establishes a fee schedule for attorneys representing children or parents in custody cases filed by government entities (like child welfare agencies), specifically for attorneys not working for official child or parent representation offices. It requires counties to create a detailed payment system based on time spent in court and out-of-court work, plus reasonable expenses, paid from county general funds. The bill also adds safeguards: courts can remove attorneys who submit false payment claims, and attorneys can appeal payment denials to a regional judge within 60 days. This directly affects attorneys appointed in these specific government-filed cases, ensuring consistent compensation through county-administered fees rather than relying on parents' ability to pay.

vetoed · Texas · Senate Jun 22, 2025

SB 1937: Relating to the testing of evidence containing biological materials in capital cases.

SB 1937 requires the state to have nuclear DNA testing performed on all biological evidence collected in capital cases (cases seeking the death penalty) before trial. The testing must be done by a state laboratory or an accredited lab, with the lab covering the costs. It creates a process where the state, defense, and lab expert must agree on which evidence qualifies for testing, with a presumption favoring the defendant's requests if they disagree. If evidence is destroyed during testing, the lab must provide the defendant with testing notes and results. The bill applies only to capital cases with indictments filed after its effective date and was vetoed by the governor on June 22, 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

signed · Texas · House Jun 22, 2025

HB 762: Relating to severance pay for political subdivision employees and independent contractors.

HB 762 limits severance pay for employees and independent contractors working with local governments (like cities, counties, and school districts) in Texas. It requires that severance pay from tax funds cannot exceed 20 weeks of the person's regular pay (excluding vacation or PTO) and prohibits payments if termination results from misconduct (including criminal conduct). Local governments must also post all severance agreements on their websites. The law applies to contracts entered into or lawsuits filed on or after September 1, 2025, and excludes public teaching hospitals.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes ✗ Labor & Employment

vetoed · Texas · Senate Jun 22, 2025

SB 3: Relating to the regulation of products derived from hemp, including consumable hemp products and the hemp-derived cannabinoids contained in those products; requiring occupational licenses and permits; imposing fees; creating criminal offenses; authorizing an administrative penalty.

SB 3 regulates consumable hemp products (like edibles, topicals, or beverages containing hemp-derived cannabinoids) in Texas. It requires businesses to obtain licenses with $10,000 fees per location, bans manufacturing products with cannabinoids other than CBD or cannabigerol, and mandates product testing before sale. The bill also creates criminal penalties for violations and allows administrative fines. This primarily affects hemp product manufacturers, retailers, and distributors in Texas. The bill was vetoed by the governor on June 22, 2025, so it did not become law.

signed · Texas · House Jun 22, 2025

HB 2518: Relating to the use of installment premium payment plans on Texas Windstorm Insurance Association policies.

HB 2518 prohibits third-party premium financing arrangements for Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) policies, requiring policyholders to use installment payment plans directly through TWIA at no additional cost. It applies to all TWIA policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, and became effective September 1, 2025. The bill directly affects Texas homeowners and property owners insured through TWIA who previously relied on third-party financing options. This change eliminates fees associated with external premium financing by mandating that TWIA provide its own no-cost installment plans.

vetoed · Texas · Senate Jun 22, 2025

SB 648: Relating to recording requirements for certain instruments concerning real property.

SB 648 updates Texas Property Code requirements for recording real property transfers and heirship affidavits. It requires property transfer documents filed by individuals (not professionals like title companies) to be signed by the owner, acknowledged before two witnesses, and certified by an authorized officer. For heirship affidavits filed by individuals, the bill adds that all named heirs (not under legal disability) and witnesses must personally appear before an officer for certification. These changes apply to all property records filed after September 1, 2025, if not vetoed (though the bill was ultimately vetoed by the Governor). The law aims to reduce fraud by strengthening verification steps for property ownership documents.

signed · Texas · Senate Jun 22, 2025

SB 785: Relating to the regulation of new HUD-code manufactured housing.

This bill changes Texas municipal rules for new federally regulated manufactured homes (HUD-code). It requires cities and towns to allow installation in residential areas unless they deny applications in writing within 45 days. Municipalities cannot charge extra fees for transportation/installation beyond actual costs or create zoning barriers that block these homes in residential zones. The law ensures these homes can be placed in at least one residential zoning category without being prohibited across all residential areas. (Effective September 1, 2025)

Topics ✓ Housing

signed · Texas · House Jun 22, 2025

HB 2842: Relating to the control by lethal means of white-tailed deer in certain areas.

HB 2842 allows certain land managers, such as political subdivisions, property associations, or institutions, to control white-tailed deer populations using lethal methods in specific situations. It requires these entities to submit written notice to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department demonstrating either (1) that deer are damaging habitats of endangered species or (2) that deer overpopulation exists on their property and recreational hunting isn’t feasible. The department must inspect the property before approving a permit for lethal control. The bill updates permit rules to include electronic issuance and reporting requirements, but does not authorize hunting for recreational purposes.

Topics ✓ Environment

Bill results