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Texas Bills

Track legislation and stay informed about the bills that matter to you.

State Legislature US Congress
All 49,874 Active 26,361 In committee 23,933 Passed 17,440 Signed 5,309 Failed 583

Bill results

passed · Texas · Senate May 21, 2025

SB 990: Relating to increasing the punishment for certain conduct constituting the offense of murder.

SB 990 amends Texas law to impose enhanced penalties for specific murder cases. It targets offenders who commit murder under nine defined aggravating circumstances, including killing police/firefighters on duty, murdering during other serious crimes (like burglary or robbery), hiring hitmen, killing children under 15, or killing someone in retaliation for their judicial role. The bill does not change general murder penalties but increases punishment severity for these specific scenarios. It directly affects individuals convicted of murder meeting any of these listed conditions. The law applies only to offenses committed on or after the bill's effective date.
Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for specific murder scenarios, expanding criminalization and enhancing punitive measures without reform elements.95% confidence
John Smithee (R) Paul Bettencourt (R) · 10 co-sponsors
passed · Texas · Senate May 21, 2025

SB 1835: Relating to the maximum number of nonresident scholarship students permitted to pay resident tuition and fees at certain public institutions of higher education.

SB 1835 sets limits on the number of nonresident students who can pay in-state tuition rates at Texas public universities through scholarship programs. It caps nonresident scholarship students at 5% of total enrollment for most institutions, or up to 20% for schools in areas with slower population growth (per census data) that have verified facility capacity. The bill requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to create rules for implementation and applies starting the 2025-2026 academic year. This directly affects public universities and nonresident scholarship recipients who would otherwise pay higher out-of-state tuition fees.
Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases state revenue by limiting nonresident students eligible for lower in-state tuition, promoting fiscal responsibility through higher tuition income at public universities.85% confidence ✗ EducationOpposes EducationRestricts nonresident access to in-state tuition at public universities, limiting educational access for out-of-state students per bill's caps on nonresident scholarship enrollment.85% confidence
John Smithee (R) Kevin Sparks (R)
passed · Texas · Senate May 21, 2025

SB 1625: Relating to the reporting of certain security incidents by public water systems to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Department of Information Resources.

SB 1625 requires public water supply and wastewater systems in Texas to immediately report specific security incidents to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Department of Information Resources. It mandates reporting for events like unauthorized access attempts, ransomware attacks, terrorism threats, or system disruptions that could impact water safety. Key examples include cyber intrusions targeting operational systems, theft of critical equipment, or natural disasters causing service outages. This directly affects all public water and wastewater providers across the state, including small nonindustrial systems. The bill clarifies reporting obligations without specifying enforcement actions or penalties.
Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates reporting of cyber incidents (ransomware, breaches) to enhance cybersecurity for critical infrastructure, aligning with 'enhances cybersecurity' indicator.95% confidence
Trent Ashby (R) · 2 co-sponsors
passed · Texas · Senate May 21, 2025

SB 2713: Relating to preventing discrimination in membership in a professional or trade association.

SB 2713 prohibits professional and trade associations (like bar associations or industry groups) from denying membership or services based on race, religion, sex, disability, national origin, or protected speech/assembly activities. It overrides any conflicting bylaws and directly affects both associations and individuals seeking membership. The bill creates a private legal remedy, allowing affected people to sue for damages or court orders if discrimination occurs, with courts able to award attorney fees to winning parties. It takes effect September 1, 2025.
Topics ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits national origin discrimination in professional associations, protecting immigrant access to membership and services.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentPrevents discrimination in professional association membership, protecting workers' access to career advancement and industry networks per anti-discrimination provisions.90% confidence
Mayes Middleton (R) · 1 co-sponsor
passed · Texas · House May 21, 2025

HR 1076: Honoring Alfrelynn J. Roberts on her election as president of the National Association of Negro Musicians.

HR 1076 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Texas House of Representatives to honor Alfrelynn J. Roberts for her election as president of the National Association of Negro Musicians. The resolution formally congratulates her on this leadership role and extends "sincere best wishes for a successful tenure." It does not create new policies, allocate funds, or affect any laws or regulations. The bill directly recognizes Roberts' professional contributions as a musician, arts administrator, and leader in the music community, including her work with organizations like the South Dallas Concert Choir and Fort Worth Opera. This is a symbolic gesture with no substantive policy impact.
Yvonne Davis (D)
passed both · Texas · Senate May 21, 2025

SB 27: Relating to the rights of public school educators and financial and other assistance provided to educators and to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators.

SB 27 modifies Texas education law to protect public school educators' rights and provide financial support. It requires salary reductions for unpaid leave to be calculated using annual salary divided by expected workdays (affecting teachers, counselors, and librarians), waives certification exam fees for first-time applicants in special education and bilingual programs, and prevents sanctions against educators who leave probationary contracts after the 45th day before school starts due to serious illness or spouse relocation. The bill directly impacts educators seeking certification and those on probationary contracts, while also directing the Texas Education Agency to cover exam fees for qualifying applicants. These changes aim to reduce financial barriers and provide clearer protections for educators during employment transitions.
Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationWaives certification fees for educators, protects salary calculations, and prevents sanctions against teachers, directly supporting educators and school staff.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProtects educators' rights by preventing sanctions for contract exits, waives certification fees, and ensures fair salary calculations for unpaid leave, advancing worker protections.95% confidence
Brandon Creighton (R) Brad Buckley (R) · 12 co-sponsors
passed · Texas · Senate May 21, 2025

SB 1210: Relating to the jurisdiction of the Texas Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals.

SB 1210 would clarify criminal court jurisdiction by specifying that the Texas Supreme Court handles certain criminal conflicts under Government Code Section 22.001(a-1), while the Court of Criminal Appeals retains final appellate authority for most criminal cases. It updates the Code of Criminal Procedure to detail which courts (including district courts, courts of appeals, and specific magistrates in counties like Bexar, Travis, and Tarrant) have criminal jurisdiction. The bill affects how criminal appeals are processed through Texas' court system but does not change criminal laws or penalties. This is a procedural adjustment to court structure, not a substantive policy change.
Bryan Hughes (R)
passed · Texas · Senate May 21, 2025

SB 1065: Relating to a required provision in certain governmental entity contracts regarding the carrying of handguns by license holders; providing civil penalties.

SB 1065 requires contractors working with Texas governmental entities (like schools, hospitals, or local governments) to include a specific clause in their contracts. This clause prohibits contractors from banning handgun license holders from property unless state law (Section 46.03 of the Penal Code) already prohibits carrying handguns there. Contractors violating this rule face civil penalties: $1,000-$1,500 for a first offense and $10,000-$10,500 for repeat violations. Residents or license holders can file complaints with the attorney general, and collected penalties fund the victims of crime compensation fund.
Bob Hall (R) Dade Phelan (R) · 2 co-sponsors
passed · Texas · Senate May 21, 2025

SB 524: Relating to the exemption from the franchise tax and certain filing fees for certain businesses owned by veterans.

SB 524 repeals three specific provisions from a previous law (S.B. 938, 2021) that would have exempted veteran-owned businesses from franchise tax and certain filing fees starting January 1, 2026. The bill cancels these planned exemptions, meaning veteran-owned businesses will not receive the tax relief originally scheduled under the repealed sections. This change takes effect September 1, 2025, before the previous exemptions were set to begin. The bill directly affects businesses owned by veterans in Texas that would have qualified for the repealed tax benefits.
Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesRepeals planned tax exemption for veteran businesses, removing scheduled franchise tax relief and increasing their tax burden.95% confidence ✗ VeteransOpposes VeteransRepeals tax exemptions for veteran-owned businesses, removing planned financial relief. Directly restricts benefit intended for veterans.95% confidence
Donna Campbell (R) · 4 co-sponsors
passed · Texas · Senate May 21, 2025

SB 1861: Relating to the appointment of a special prosecutor by the court of criminal appeals for certain criminal cases.

SB 1861 establishes a process for appointing a special prosecutor to handle criminal cases involving election law violations. If law enforcement investigates such an offense, they submit a report to the Court of Criminal Appeals, which must then appoint a special prosecutor from outside the local jurisdiction (unless the agency has statewide authority). The special prosecutor reviews the report and decides whether to prosecute the case, decline charges, or request further investigation. This process applies specifically to offenses under Texas election laws and takes effect September 1, 2025.
Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates impartial prosecutor appointment process for election-related criminal cases, enhancing oversight in criminal proceedings per court procedures.85% confidence
Bryan Hughes (R)
passed · Texas · Senate May 21, 2025

SB 1782: Relating to the maintenance of criminal history record information for group home applicants and employees; creating a criminal offense.

SB 1782 requires owners or operators of Texas group homes to obtain and maintain criminal history records from the Texas Department of Public Safety for all job applicants and employees. It mandates keeping records for at least 30 days after rejecting an applicant or for the entire employment duration if hired. The bill prohibits hiring individuals convicted of specific offenses listed in the Penal Code (including violent crimes, sexual offenses, and certain drug offenses) and imposes Class B misdemeanor penalties for failing to conduct checks or Class A misdemeanor penalties for hiring prohibited individuals. This law directly affects group homes - defined as facilities housing unrelated residents with basic services like meals and housekeeping but excluding licensed care facilities, hotels, or dormitories - and takes effect September 1, 2025.
Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts employment of individuals with certain convictions in group homes, opposing reform efforts to reduce barriers for people with criminal records.85% confidence
Borris Miles (D) · 2 co-sponsors
passed · Texas · House May 21, 2025

HB 4271: Relating to public meetings held by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on requests for authorization to operate a composting facility.

HB 4271 requires the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to hold a public meeting in the county where a composting facility is proposed or located, upon request by a local state legislator representing that area. This applies to facilities needing a TCEQ permit, registration, or notification. The bill adds this procedural requirement to the Health and Safety Code, ensuring community input is formally included in the authorization process. It directly affects TCEQ staff, local legislators, and residents in counties with proposed composting projects. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.
Lois Kolkhorst (R) Stan Gerdes (R)
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