Texas Bills

signed · Texas · House Jun 20, 2025

HB 46: Relating to the medical use of low-THC cannabis under and the administration of the Texas Compassionate-Use Program; requiring registration.

HB 46 modifies Texas' Compassionate-Use Program by requiring dispensing organizations to register certain personnel. The bill mandates that directors, owners, managers, and employees of these organizations must register with the state department, adding this as a requirement for licensing. It specifically amends the Health and Safety Code to include registration as a condition for operating a dispensing organization under the program. The law, signed by the governor on June 20, 2025, takes effect September 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Suleman Lalani (D) Joe Moody (D) Charles Perry (R) Tom Oliverson (R) Mihaela Pleșa (D) · 23 co-sponsors

signed · Texas · House Jun 20, 2025

HB 49: Relating to the treatment and beneficial use of fluid oil and gas waste and related material, including a limitation on liability for that treatment or use.

HB 49 limits legal liability for businesses and landowners handling oil and gas waste in Texas. It shields parties who treat or reuse this waste (e.g., for drilling operations) from tort claims related to subsequent use, unless they acted with gross negligence or failed to follow environmental rules. The law specifically protects those who generate, transport, or treat waste, including surface estate owners, but does not cover cases involving intentional misconduct or negligence. Signed into law on June 20, 2025, and effective September 1, 2025, it directly affects oil and gas operators, waste treatment facilities, and landowners managing such waste.

Topics ✓ Energy ✗ Environment

signed · Texas · House Jun 20, 2025

HB 4488: Relating to the creation and re-creation of funds and accounts, the dedication and rededication of revenue and allocation of accrued interest on dedicated revenue, and the exemption of unappropriated money from use for general governmental purposes.

HB 4488 abolishes most new state funds and revenue dedications created by the 2025 Texas Legislature by August 31, 2025, unless specifically exempted. It directly affects state agencies that established temporary funds or revenue streams during the 89th Legislature, requiring them to cease using these dedicated resources for specific purposes. Key exemptions include funds created to comply with constitutional or federal law, existing exempt funds, fee increases for designated purposes, and federal or trust funds requiring separate accounting. The law ensures unappropriated money from abolished funds cannot be used for general government purposes, streamlining state fiscal management. The bill became law after passing both chambers and receiving the Governor's signature on June 20, 2025.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes

signed · Texas · Senate Jun 20, 2025

SB 1433: Relating to the assertion of legislative privilege by the attorney general in certain legal challenges to the constitutionality of state statutes.

SB 1433 clarifies the Texas Attorney General's authority to claim "legislative privilege" (protection from disclosing certain communications) when defending state laws in court challenges to their constitutionality. It requires the Attorney General to provide evidence of representing the state or agency within 30 days of asserting this privilege, establishing their authority to do so. The bill directly affects the Attorney General's office and state agencies by defining their process for invoking this legal protection during constitutional challenges. It does not change substantive law but streamlines how privilege claims are handled in court proceedings.

signed · Texas · House Jun 20, 2025

HB 4643: Relating to access to criminal history record information that relates to providers and provider applicants under Medicaid and other public benefits programs administered by the Health and Human Services Commission.

HB 4643 requires Texas Medicaid and public benefits programs administered by the Health and Human Services Commission to conduct criminal background checks on specific individuals associated with providers and applicants. It mandates checks for owners with 5% or more ownership interest (including through mortgages or asset interests), corporate officers/directors, partnership partners, and "managing employees" (such as administrators or general managers). The law applies to all current Medicaid providers and those applying for enrollment. This policy change clarifies who must undergo background screenings under Texas law, aligning with federal regulations for provider eligibility.

signed · Texas · House Jun 20, 2025

HB 3923: Relating to state employment opportunities for individuals who do not hold a bachelor's degree.

HB 3923 requires Texas state agencies to review and adjust job requirements to reduce reliance on bachelor's degrees for employment. Specifically, it directs classification officers to identify positions where educational requirements could be lowered, reduce the number of roles mandating a bachelor's degree, and explore career advancement paths for employees without one. The bill mandates agencies to report their findings to the governor's budget office and Legislative Budget Board by specified deadlines. This directly affects state hiring practices and employees who lack bachelor's degrees but possess relevant skills or experience. The policy change takes effect September 1, 2025, aiming to broaden state employment opportunities.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

signed · Texas · House Jun 20, 2025

HB 5435: Relating to required lease terms for public property leased to a nongovernmental entity.

HB 5435 requires leases for public property between government entities and private organizations to include specific terms for construction, alteration, or repair work. It mandates that contractors provide payment and performance bonds (guaranteeing payment and work completion) and give 90 days' written notice before starting work. The bill exempts institutions of higher education from the notice requirement. This law applies only to new leases signed on or after September 1, 2025, directly affecting private contractors and developers leasing public land.

signed · Texas · House Jun 20, 2025

HB 148: Relating to the qualification of candidates for, and the training and education of members of, the board of directors of an appraisal district.

HB 148 requires members of appraisal district boards of directors in Texas to complete annual training before each anniversary of their appointment. The training covers key topics like the roles of appraisal officials, ethics standards, budgeting, conflict-of-interest laws, and public service principles, with tax-related districts needing at least eight hours of instruction. This bill directly affects local government board members who oversee property tax appraisals and assessments. The training must be provided by accredited educational institutions, and members must submit a certificate of completion to their appraisal district.

signed · Texas · House Jun 20, 2025

HB 1094: Relating to the regulation of transportation protection agreements.

HB 1094 defines "transportation protection agreements" as contracts covering body transportation over 75 miles to a licensed facility and exempts these agreements from Texas insurance regulations. This bill directly affects funeral service providers selling such agreements and consumers purchasing them, as it removes insurance licensing and oversight requirements. The key provision clarifies that these agreements do not constitute "insurance" under state law, allowing sellers to offer transportation services without meeting standard insurance compliance rules. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

signed · Texas · Senate Jun 20, 2025

SB 527: Relating to health benefit coverage for general anesthesia in connection with certain pediatric dental services.

SB 527 requires health insurance plans in Texas to cover medically necessary general anesthesia for pediatric dental services for children under 13 years old who cannot undergo treatment without anesthesia due to documented physical, mental, or medical conditions. The law applies to all health benefit plans offered by insurance companies, HMOs, health maintenance organizations, and other covered entities under Texas insurance law. It prohibits plans from excluding this specific anesthesia coverage when the medical criteria are met, ensuring access to necessary dental care for vulnerable young patients. The bill became law on June 20, 2025, and takes effect September 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · Texas · House Jun 20, 2025

HB 5342: Relating to the provision of behavioral health crisis services, including measures to fund and support the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and related services.

HB 5342 creates a dedicated "988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Trust Fund" to support Texas' 988 crisis services. The fund, managed by the state commission, accepts federal grants, donations, and investment income to cover operational costs like personnel, technology upgrades, and infrastructure improvements for the 988 Lifeline network. It directly affects crisis centers participating in the 988 system and callers seeking mental health support. The bill establishes strict rules for fund use, prohibiting diversion to other state purposes, and requires annual financial forecasting. The law became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on June 20, 2025.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · Texas · House Jun 20, 2025

HB 4996: Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of refusal to execute the release of a fraudulent lien or claim.

HB 4996 increases criminal penalties for refusing to release a fraudulent lien or claim against property owned by a public servant. It amends Texas law to make this offense a third-degree felony (instead of a Class A misdemeanor) when the lien holder knowingly targets a public servant. The bill directly affects individuals or entities filing fraudulent liens who deliberately withhold release of those liens against public servants. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to offenses committed after that date.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

Bill results