Texas Bills

passed · Texas · Senate May 14, 2025

SR 517: Recognizing Maria Yuliana Soria Chavez for her service to the office of State Senator Roland Gutierrez.

This resolution (SR 517) formally commends Maria Yuliana Soria Chavez for her work as a legislative aide and policy intern in State Senator Roland Gutierrez's office during the 89th Texas Legislative Session. It recognizes her contributions to constituent services, legislative research, and policy analysis. The resolution provides her with a formal copy as a token of appreciation, with no policy changes or financial impact. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not affect laws, funding, or regulations.

passed · Texas · Senate May 14, 2025

SB 1810: Relating to annual statistical reports for fixing title insurance premium rates.

SB 1810 requires title insurance agents to submit annual statistical reports by May 1 (with a March 1 data call) and title insurance companies to submit reports by June 1 (with a April 1 data call). The Texas Department of Insurance must publish online summaries of all agent data by October 1 and all company data by November 1 each year. The bill affects title insurance agents and companies by establishing specific reporting deadlines and transparency requirements. It does not change how premium rates are set but mandates standardized data collection for public reporting. The changes apply to reports filed on or after January 1, 2026.

passed · Texas · House May 14, 2025

HB 5088: Relating to the major events reimbursement program and the events trust fund.

HB 5088 requires local event organizers, cities, or counties that receive reimbursements through Texas's Major Events Reimbursement Program to conduct and publicly share post-event economic impact studies. Specifically, these entities must study and document the measurable economic impact directly tied to major events, including incremental tax revenue increases, and post all findings - including source documentation - on their public websites. The bill repeals an outdated provision (Section 480.152 of the Government Code) and mandates transparency about reimbursement calculations and adherence to deadlines. It applies to all events funded by the Events Trust Fund and takes effect September 1, 2025.

passed · Texas · Senate May 14, 2025

SR 395: Recognizing the ninth class of Governor William P. Clements Jr. Scholars.

This resolution (SR 395) formally recognizes the ninth class of Governor William P. Clements Jr. Scholars, a group of 20 Texas students participating in the Clements Legislative Study Program. The program, hosted by the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute, provides conservative students with hands-on experience in public policy and leadership through direct work with Texas legislators. The resolution commends these students for their dedication to public service and extends "sincere best wishes for success" without creating any new laws, policies, or funding requirements. As a commemorative resolution, it serves solely as an expression of recognition by the Texas Senate.

passed · Texas · House May 14, 2025

HJR 182: Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the Veterans' Land Board to issue general obligation bonds in an aggregate principal amount that is greater than amounts previously authorized.

HJR 182 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas' Veterans' Land Board to issue general obligation bonds exceeding the current $6 billion cap for veterans' land and mortgage programs. If approved by voters, it would remove the existing limit on bond amounts, directing proceeds to specific veterans' funds (Land Fund, Housing Assistance Fund, or Housing Assistance Fund II) for land sales or mortgage loans. The bill does not change eligibility for veterans but expands funding capacity for these programs. The amendment must be voted on by Texas voters in the November 2025 election.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Veterans

passed · Texas · Senate May 14, 2025

SB 2660: Relating to the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District; authorizing a fee.

SB 2660 authorizes the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District to charge a fee for groundwater use, primarily affecting non-agricultural users within the district. The fee is capped at 38 cents per 1,000 gallons withdrawn or the cost of surface water from other suppliers, whichever is higher, and cannot be imposed on agricultural wells or exempt wells under district rules. The bill repeals previous restrictions prohibiting such fees and allows district revenues to fund any lawful purpose. This policy change directly impacts groundwater users not covered by agricultural exemptions, aiming to provide a funding mechanism for the district.

Topics ✓ Environment

passed both · Texas · House May 14, 2025

HJR 2: Proposing a constitutional amendment prohibiting the legislature from imposing death taxes applicable to a decedent's property or the transfer of an estate, inheritance, legacy, succession, or gift.

HJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment that would prohibit Texas from imposing state taxes on property transferred after someone's death, including estate, inheritance, or gift taxes. It specifically prevents new taxes on these transfers or increases to existing taxes that were in place before January 1, 2025. Exceptions include taxes on motor vehicle gifts, certain property taxes (ad valorem), and taxes already authorized under existing law. This amendment requires voter approval in the November 2025 election and would affect anyone transferring property through wills, inheritances, or gifts after the amendment takes effect.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes

passed · Texas · Senate May 14, 2025

SR 519: Recognizing Chris Kemp on the occasion of his retirement.

This is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 519) honoring Captain Chris Kemp's retirement after 25+ years of service with Lubbock Fire Rescue. It recognizes his career progression from firefighter to captain, leadership as president of the Lubbock Professional Firefighters Association, and his work with the COATS4KIDS initiative. The resolution formally congratulates him and extends best wishes for his retirement, with no new laws, funding, or policy changes enacted. It is a symbolic gesture of appreciation with no direct impact on citizens or legislation.

passed · Texas · Senate May 14, 2025

SB 1624: Relating to the purposes for which the Texas Water Bank and the Texas Water Trust may accept and hold water rights.

SB 1624 expands the purposes for which the Texas Water Bank and Texas Water Trust can accept and hold water rights. It specifically allows the Water Bank to facilitate water rights transfers, maintain a registry of available water, and encourage conservation by accepting deposits of conserved water. The Texas Water Trust is formally established to hold water rights dedicated to environmental needs like instream flow, water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and bay/estuary inflows. These changes directly affect water right holders, conservation groups, and entities needing water for environmental protection, enabling more structured water transactions for both agricultural use and ecological preservation.

Topics ✓ Environment

passed · Texas · Senate May 14, 2025

SR 521: In memory of Victor Valencia.

This is a Senate Resolution (SR 521), not a bill, commemorating Victor Valencia. It honors his life, service, and legacy through formal recognition by the Texas Senate, citing his Navy service (including two medals), business ownership, family dedication, and community involvement. The resolution does not enact any law, impose obligations, or affect any individuals or policies. It was adopted by the Senate on May 14, 2025, as a ceremonial tribute.

passed · Texas · House May 14, 2025

HB 4864: Relating to the eligibility of a person to serve as an arbitrator in a binding arbitration of an appeal of an appraisal review board order.

HB 4864 sets new eligibility requirements for individuals serving as arbitrators in binding property tax appeals. To qualify, a person must either be a licensed Texas attorney or meet specific training and certification criteria in real estate, appraisal, or accounting fields. The bill also establishes fee limits for arbitrators based on property value and homestead status (e.g., $400 for homestead properties under $500,000). These changes directly affect arbitrators handling property tax disputes under Texas law. The bill amends the Tax Code to standardize qualifications and fees for this process.

passed · Texas · House May 14, 2025

HB 4609: Relating to participation in, administration of, contributions to, and benefits under the Texas Municipal Retirement System.

HB 4609 modifies Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) rules to clarify legal venue, participation timing, and funding requirements. It requires TMRS-related lawsuits to be filed in Travis County (Section 1), changes department participation start dates to the first month after notice (Section 2), and mandates actuarial verification that new benefit obligations can be funded within a municipality’s budget limits (Sections 3, 4, and 5). The bill also establishes procedures for employees to reestablish canceled retirement credits under specific conditions, including 24 consecutive months of service (Section 4). These changes directly affect Texas municipalities operating under TMRS, their employees, and the retirement system’s administrative processes.

Bill results