Texas Bills

signed · Texas · Senate Jun 20, 2025

SB 1762: Relating to the authority of the Railroad Commission of Texas to designate certain persons as the operator of an orphaned oil or gas well.

This bill allows the Texas Railroad Commission to designate individuals or entities as the operator of an orphaned oil or gas well if they submit specific documentation proving a legal right to the mineral estate, geothermal energy estate, or geologic space accessed by the well. To qualify, applicants must provide documented proof of their interest (e.g., lease agreements or deeds), a compliance certificate, and pay a $250 nonrefundable fee. It directly affects property owners, leaseholders, or geothermal developers seeking to manage or remediate abandoned wells. The bill clarifies that "geothermal energy conservation wells" are distinct from battery storage resources, focusing specifically on wells used for energy retention to support grid electricity.

signed · Texas · House Jun 20, 2025

HCR 84: Designating Pineland as the official Sawmill Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.

HCR 84 designates Pineland, Texas, as the official "Sawmill Capital of Texas" for a 10-year period ending in 2035. This symbolic resolution recognizes Pineland's historical and ongoing role in the state's lumber industry, citing its century-long connection to sawmills dating back to 1902. The designation, which requires no new funding or regulations, will remain in effect until the 10th anniversary of the resolution's passage under Texas Government Code Section 391.003(e). It does not create new legal obligations or affect any residents, businesses, or policies.

signed · Texas · Senate Jun 20, 2025

SB 1883: Relating to the approval of land use assumptions, capital improvement plans, and impact fees.

SB 1883 updates rules for Texas local governments regarding land use planning and development impact fees. It requires cities and counties to make land use assumptions and capital improvement plans publicly available at least 60 days before hearings on these plans. The bill mandates a two-thirds vote for approving impact fees and prohibits increasing those fees for three years after adoption or the last increase. These changes aim to improve transparency and limit frequent fee hikes for new construction projects.

signed · Texas · House Jun 20, 2025

HCR 131: Congratulating David Gardiner Mitchell and Ginger Lane Mitchell on their 50th wedding anniversary.

This concurrent resolution formally congratulates David Gardiner Mitchell and Ginger Lane Mitchell on their 50th wedding anniversary, recognizing their marriage since 1975, family, and community involvement (including Mr. Mitchell’s career in petroleum engineering and Mrs. Mitchell’s work as a homemaker and small business owner). It was passed unanimously by the Texas House and Senate and signed by the governor on June 20, 2025. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on legislation or constituents.

signed · Texas · Senate Jun 20, 2025

SB 1220: Relating to the subject matter jurisdiction of the criminal trial courts of this state.

SB 1220 removes a requirement that criminal courts must wait for civil or administrative remedies to be exhausted before hearing criminal cases. It directly affects Texas criminal trial courts by allowing them to exercise jurisdiction over criminal actions without first resolving related civil matters. The key provision, added to the Government Code, states that exhaustion of civil remedies is not needed unless specifically required by law. This change applies to all criminal cases filed before, on, or after the bill's effective date (June 20, 2025).

signed · Texas · House Jun 20, 2025

HCR 127: Expressing support for the strengthening of our partnership with Taiwan.

HCR 127 is a symbolic concurrent resolution expressing the Texas Legislature's support for strengthening Texas-Taiwan relations. It highlights Texas-Taiwan trade reaching $25.5 billion in 2024, commends Governor Abbott for establishing the Texas Taiwan Office, and celebrates the 46th anniversary of the U.S. Taiwan Relations Act and Texas-Taiwan sister-state relationship. The resolution has no legal effect but formally acknowledges this partnership through diplomatic channels like the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston. It is a non-binding expression of support, not a policy change.

signed · Texas · Senate Jun 20, 2025

SB 991: Relating to the inclusion of chronically absent and truant students as students at risk of dropping out of school and the collection and reporting of data regarding those students.

SB 991 expands Texas' definition of "students at risk of dropping out" to include those with chronic absenteeism or truancy. It requires public school districts to collect and report data on these students' attendance patterns, including unexcused absences. This law directly affects Texas public schools and students who miss significant school days without valid reasons. The policy change focuses on improving data tracking for attendance-related risks, without mandating new interventions.

signed · Texas · House Jun 20, 2025

HCR 130: Recognizing April 29, 2025, as Donate Life Texas Day.

HCR 130 is a concurrent resolution recognizing April 29, 2025, as "Donate Life Texas Day" during National Donate Life Month. It formally acknowledges the critical need for organ, eye, and tissue donors in Texas, highlighting that over 10,000 Texans are currently awaiting transplants while only about 60% of eligible Texans are registered donors. The resolution aims to raise public awareness and encourage donor registration without creating new laws or obligations. It directly affects all Texas residents by promoting community engagement with organ donation initiatives.

signed · Texas · House Jun 20, 2025

HCR 138: Congratulating Nathan L. Hecht on his retirement as chief justice of the Supreme Court of Texas.

HCR 138 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Justice Nathan L. Hecht upon his retirement as Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court after 35 years of service. It formally expresses the Texas Legislature's congratulations and best wishes for his future, recognizing his role as the longest-serving Texas judge and his contributions to court reform, technology modernization (including early e-filing adoption), and increased legal aid funding. The resolution directly affects Justice Hecht as the recipient of this formal expression of appreciation from both legislative chambers. As a non-binding resolution, it does not enact any new policies or affect any laws or regulations.

signed · Texas · Senate Jun 20, 2025

SB 2185: Relating to the bilingual education allotment under the public school finance system.

SB 2185 establishes a new $10 million annual funding allotment for school districts in Texas that offer approved dual language immersion programs (one-way or two-way). It provides 15% of the basic allotment per emergent bilingual student and 5% per other student in these programs, requiring districts to report additional data on program methods through the state's education data system. At least 55% of these funds must be used for bilingual/special language programs, covering instructional materials, staff development, and other quality instruction costs. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, directly affecting school districts offering approved bilingual education models under Texas law.

Topics ✓ Education

signed · Texas · Senate Jun 20, 2025

SB 1283: Relating to resident safety from criminal activity in senior retirement communities.

SB 1283 requires senior retirement communities in Texas (defined as residential communities with 20+ units offering shared amenities) to conduct background checks on all employees and disclose in resident contracts whether vendors must also perform such checks. The law mandates that communities maintain written safety policies addressing criminal activity risks to residents. These requirements apply to all eligible communities except healthcare facilities, boarding homes, and federally regulated housing. The bill became law on June 20, 2025, and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

signed · Texas · Senate Jun 20, 2025

SB 1493: Relating to lighting equipment requirements for motor vehicles.

SB 1493 updates Texas vehicle safety rules by clarifying standards for high-mounted brake lights. It specifies that such lights comply with federal safety rules if they vary in intensity four or fewer times during braking stops lasting up to two seconds - without turning off. The bill directly affects vehicle manufacturers (making new vehicles) and repair shops (modifying existing lights) to meet this standard. It takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not change existing federal requirements.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Bill results