Texas Bills

passed · Texas · Senate May 13, 2025

SR 512: Recognizing May 13, 2025, as Falun Dafa Day.

This is a symbolic resolution (not a law) passed by the Texas Senate to recognize May 13, 2025, as "Falun Dafa Day." It acknowledges Falun Dafa (a spiritual practice) and its practitioners in Texas, referencing its global following and historical context. The resolution extends "sincere best wishes" to practitioners in Texas but creates no legal obligations or policy changes. It directly affects Texas state recognition of this religious practice on a designated date.

passed · Texas · House May 13, 2025

HB 5200: Relating to the evaluation and use of grid enhancing technologies and high-performance conductors.

HB 5200 requires the Public Utility Commission of Texas to ensure the independent organization overseeing ERCOT transmission planning evaluates grid enhancing technologies (like dynamic line rating systems and advanced power flow controllers) and high-performance conductors (modern alternatives to traditional wires) for use in transmission projects. The bill mandates this evaluation to increase transmission capacity, reduce congestion, improve reliability, and lower wildfire risks. It specifically directs the organization to consider technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness, though it allows them to decline recommendations they deem imprudent. This affects how ERCOT’s transmission system is planned and upgraded, directly impacting Texas power grid operators and infrastructure decisions.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

passed · Texas · House May 13, 2025

HR 863: In memory of former state representative James R. Pitts of Waxahachie.

HR 863 is a commemorative resolution honoring the late James R. Pitts, a former Texas State Representative from Waxahachie who served from 1993 to 2015. The resolution recognizes his 22 years of public service, including his leadership as chair of the appropriations committee and his contributions to Ellis, Hill, and Henderson Counties. It formally commemorates his legacy following his passing on July 20, 2024, and highlights his work on community projects, education support, and his designation of Waxahachie as Texas' Crape Myrtle Capital. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal tribute to his service.

passed · Texas · House May 13, 2025

HB 5153: Relating to the provision and reimbursement of health care services by local public health entities under the child health plan program.

HB 5153 adds local health departments and health authorities (such as county health departments and public health districts) as eligible providers for reimbursement under Texas' Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The bill creates a new provider category specifically for these local public health entities, allowing them to bill for services provided to CHIP-eligible children. Key provisions require the Health and Human Services Commission to establish this new provider type and ensure entities meet certification standards. Implementation depends on state funding approval, and the bill takes effect September 1, 2025, unless passed with a two-thirds vote. This change directly affects local health entities and CHIP beneficiaries by expanding access to covered health services.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Texas · House May 13, 2025

HR 888: Congratulating the Salado High School boys' soccer team on winning the 2025 UIL 4A Division 1 state championship.

HR 888 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating Salado High School's boys' soccer team on winning the 2025 UIL 4A Division 1 state championship. It formally recognizes their championship victory, including their playoff path and key players, and extends congratulations to the team, coaches, and staff. The resolution has no policy provisions or financial impact - it serves solely as a symbolic gesture of recognition from the Texas House of Representatives. As a procedural resolution, it directly affects the Salado High School team and their supporters through official acknowledgment.

passed · Texas · House May 13, 2025

HB 3134: Relating to advanced air mobility.

HB 3134 establishes a regulatory framework for "advanced air mobility" in Texas, primarily affecting electric aircraft and vertiports (landing/takeoff sites for air taxis). The bill requires the Texas Department of Transportation to create an office for technical support, develop a statewide strategic plan, identify uniform planning standards for vertiports, estimate electric grid capacity needs, and provide guidebooks to local governments. It specifically applies to aircraft over 300 pounds capable of carrying passengers or cargo, focusing on electric vertical takeoff aircraft and urban air mobility infrastructure. The law aims to enable future air taxi services by standardizing planning and infrastructure requirements across the state.

Topics ✓ Technology ✓ Transportation

passed · Texas · House May 13, 2025

HB 4176: Relating to the investigation of certain motor vehicle collisions by former peace officers.

HB 4176 allows certain non-peace officer employees of law enforcement agencies (who complete approved training) to investigate minor motor vehicle collisions under specific conditions. It applies to collisions with no injuries/death, property damage under $5,000, and no offenses beyond minor fines. These employees must file a written summary report electronically within 10 days, similar to officers handling more serious incidents. The bill updates Texas Transportation Code sections to clarify this expanded authority and reporting requirement, effective September 1, 2025. It directly affects law enforcement agencies' non-sworn staff conducting preliminary collision investigations.

passed · Texas · House May 13, 2025

HB 361: Relating to the authority of the chief appraiser of certain appraisal districts to consider a property to be a comparable property when using the market data comparison method of appraisal to determine the market value of a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purposes.

HB 361 amends Texas Tax Code to change how property appraisers determine the value of homesteads (tax-exempt homes) for property tax purposes. It requires chief appraisers to only compare a homestead’s value to other similar homesteads within the same neighborhood, excluding non-exempt properties like commercial buildings. This directly affects homeowners who qualify for homestead tax exemptions under Section 11.13 of the Tax Code. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, and applies to tax years beginning after that date.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

passed · Texas · House May 13, 2025

HB 5224: Relating to the designation of certain natural gas facilities as seasonally critical.

HB 5224 establishes a process for designating certain natural gas facilities as "seasonally critical" during energy emergencies. It requires the Texas Railroad Commission to create rules defining criteria for facilities that must provide critical information during emergencies, with designations limited to specific seasons (e.g., winter heating periods) based on operational needs. Facilities must be prepared to operate during weather emergencies to qualify, and the Public Utility Commission will receive a list of these seasonal designations by March 2026. This affects natural gas producers, transporters, and related infrastructure operators under the Railroad Commission's jurisdiction.

passed · Texas · House May 13, 2025

HJR 35: Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of and use of money in the Grow Texas fund and allocating certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.

HJR 35 is a constitutional amendment proposal that would establish the "Grow Texas Fund" and restructure how certain state revenues are allocated. It requires the comptroller to transfer funds from the general revenue fund to three designated accounts: the Economic Stabilization Fund (50%), the State Highway Fund (the remainder), and the new Grow Texas Fund. Specifically, 12% of the amount designated for the Economic Stabilization Fund would be redirected to the Grow Texas Fund, capped at $250 million per state fiscal biennium. This amendment, adopted by the Texas legislature on May 12, 2025, must now be approved by voters to take effect.

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed both · Texas · House May 13, 2025

HJR 99: Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation tangible personal property consisting of animal feed held by the owner of the property for sale at retail.

HJR 99 proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize Texas lawmakers to exempt animal feed held by businesses for retail sale from ad valorem property taxes. If approved by voters, this would allow the legislature to create a specific tax exemption for tangible personal property (physical animal feed) owned by sellers for resale. The amendment requires voter approval in the November 2025 election and does not automatically create the exemption - future legislation would need to implement it. This directly affects feed retailers and agricultural businesses that hold animal feed inventory for sale.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

passed · Texas · House May 13, 2025

HB 3675: Relating to consideration of criminal history of applicants for public employment.

HB 3675 prohibits most public employers in Texas from asking about or checking an applicant's criminal history before making a conditional job offer. It allows employers to inform applicants upfront about disqualifying convictions or ask limited questions about specific offenses that would disqualify someone under law. The bill applies to state agencies, local governments, and public universities (excluding independent school districts and licensed law enforcement roles). It takes effect September 1, 2025, and only affects applications submitted after that date.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Labor & Employment

Bill results