This proposed constitutional amendment would allow cities and other local governments (excluding counties, school districts, and municipalities) to limit property taxes on primary homes for disabled or elderly low-income residents. Homeowners qualifying under the amendment would have their taxes frozen at current levels, even if their home's value increases due to major improvements (not routine repairs). Surviving spouses meeting income and age criteria would automatically retain the tax cap after the homeowner's death. Local governments could implement this limit voluntarily or via a vote triggered by a petition from 5% of registered voters.
HB 2242 amends Texas law to clarify that constables are considered "final policy makers" on law enforcement decisions for their county in federal civil rights lawsuits brought under 42 U.S.C. §1983. This change directly affects constables (county-level law enforcement officers) and individuals filing federal civil rights claims against them. The bill specifies that constables' decisions on enforcement become binding policy for their county in such lawsuits, effective only for cases accruing on or after September 1, 2025. It does not create new policies or alter enforcement practices, but defines constables' legal status in federal litigation.
HB 1142 clarifies which Texas government health benefit plans must cover mental health conditions and substance use disorders. It amends the Insurance Code to specify that the coverage requirements apply to "basic coverage plans" under Chapters 1551, 1575, 1579, and 1601 - such as state employee or public employee health plans. The bill excludes certain policy types (like accident-only or limited disease coverage) from these requirements. It also establishes enforcement mechanisms for evaluating treatment limitations in key categories like inpatient care and prescription drugs. The bill was enacted on May 14, 2025, after passing the Texas Legislature.
HB 2966 requires courts to automatically award attorney fees and court costs to defendants when a lawsuit challenging constitutional rights is dismissed. It directly affects plaintiffs who file such cases, as they may face these costs if their lawsuit is dismissed. The bill mandates these fees upon dismissal (Section 27.009(a)) and allows courts to impose additional sanctions on the plaintiff to deter future similar lawsuits. This change applies only to cases filed on or after September 1, 2025.
HB 115 requires trial courts to appoint attorneys for indigent defendants in specific postconviction habeas corpus cases, directly affecting people convicted of crimes who cannot afford legal representation. Key provisions mandate representation for appeals, certain habeas proceedings where justice requires it, or when claims under Article 11.073 are raised, and establish a priority system for appointing counsel. The bill makes these procedures exclusive after conviction, banning other proceedings to release prisoners, and requires written decisions when denying relief under specific provisions. It also allows the Court of Criminal Appeals to consider subsequent applications that miss procedural requirements if justice demands it, otherwise dismissing them as an abuse of the writ.
HB 4773 permits licensed breweries and brewpubs operating under the same ownership or management to transfer their own malt beverages between multiple licensed locations during specified hours. It requires vehicles used for transport to be described to the commission and clearly marked, while prohibiting violations of motor carrier laws. The bill specifically allows transfers between brewpubs (under Section 74.12) or package store permits (Section 69.11), but clarifies that transferred beverages remain legally considered produced at their original location for tax purposes. This primarily affects multi-location brewery and brewpub operators seeking operational flexibility.
HB 2993 amends Texas Penal Code Section 46.15 to exempt specific officials from handgun carrying restrictions in certain locations. The bill specifies that Sections 46.02 and 46.03 (which generally prohibit carrying handguns in places like public establishments) do not apply to peace officers, parole officers, community supervision officers, judicial officers, retired law enforcement officers, certain prosecutors, bailiffs, and juvenile probation officers while on duty and meeting specific conditions. This change directly affects these officials by allowing them to carry handguns during official duties in locations where the general public is restricted. The bill does not address county commissioners, despite the title suggesting otherwise, as the provided text contains no provisions for them.
This bill allows specific Texas municipalities to use hotel and convention center tax revenue for related projects. It applies only to cities meeting detailed criteria, such as having populations over 95,000, bordering lakes like Lewisville, or containing designated landmarks like the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame. The law specifies which cities qualify based on population thresholds, geographic features, or county characteristics outlined in the Tax Code. These qualifying municipalities can now pledge the tax revenue to fund obligations connected to their hotel and convention center developments.
HB 3592 restricts out-of-state political contributions to Texas candidates by setting limits: $5,000 for statewide offices, $2,500 for district offices, and $1,000 for county offices. Candidates must return excess contributions within 5 days or by the end of the reporting period, whichever is later. Political committees cannot contribute to candidates if over 50% of their prior contributions came from out-of-state donors. Violations carry civil penalties up to three times the contribution amount, with hearings required before penalties are imposed. The law applies only to contributions made on or after September 1, 2025.
HB 4611 streamlines the process for individuals to register in Texas' voluntary adoption registries. It requires applicants to submit detailed personal information (including birth details, contact information, and consent preferences) through an online portal, replacing paper applications. The bill directly affects birth parents, adoptees, and biological siblings seeking to connect through the registry by standardizing application requirements and adding an online submission option. Key provisions include mandatory identity verification, fee waiver options, and clear statements about disclosure consent and registration duration (99 years or a shorter term). The bill does not change adoption laws but improves registry accessibility and administrative efficiency.
HB 4696 allows applicants and witnesses seeking or protected by a protective order to participate remotely in court hearings, unless a judge finds "good cause" to deny the request. It directly affects individuals involved in family court cases seeking or modifying protective orders, particularly those who may face safety risks or logistical barriers attending in person. The bill requires courts to provide a remote participation method upon written request, adding new provisions to Texas Family Code Sections 84.007 (for new orders) and 87.005 (for modifications). This change applies to all pending or future cases under Subtitle B, Title 4 of the Family Code starting September 1, 2025. The law aims to increase accessibility and safety for vulnerable individuals in protective order proceedings.
HB 4473 requires the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to study how counties manage road construction and maintenance across five statewide road systems. The study will inventory each county's adopted system, compare 25-year cost data for the 20 most populous counties in each system (adjusted for inflation), and rank the systems by cost-effectiveness for taxpayers. This affects all Texas counties that operate under one of the five county road administration systems described in the Transportation Code. TxDOT must submit a final report with findings and recommendations to state leaders by December 1, 2026, with the bill expiring January 1, 2027.
