Texas Bills

passed · Texas · Senate May 12, 2025

SB 410: Relating to the management and operation of the Gulf Coast Protection District.

SB 410 changes how the Gulf Coast Protection District is led and manages projects. It requires the governor to appoint the district's leader (instead of electing them) and limits this role to two consecutive terms. The bill also mandates that any district project must follow navigation safety rules for Harris County ports, as defined in state transportation law. These changes directly affect the Gulf Coast Protection District and its project planning, ensuring compliance with port traffic regulations.

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed · Texas · House May 12, 2025

HB 644: Relating to the civil liability of certain businesses in connection with allowing concealed handguns on the business premises.

HB 644 protects businesses from civil lawsuits if they allow licensed concealed handgun carriers on their premises. It directly affects Texas businesses (like restaurants or retail stores) and license holders who carry concealed handguns legally under Texas law. The bill states that simply not posting "no concealed weapons" notices - rather than requiring explicit written or verbal permission - counts as allowing concealed carry, removing liability for damages from lawful concealed carry. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not apply to incidents that occurred before that date.

passed · Texas · House May 12, 2025

HB 5032: Relating to the display of certain historical state documents.

This bill requires the Texas Capitol Preservation Commission to develop a plan by December 1, 2027, for displaying three specific historical documents in the Capitol Complex: Colonel Travis's 1836 Alamo letter, the Texas Declaration of Independence, and the Texas Constitution. The plan must be published online and shared with relevant legislative committees. The requirement expires September 1, 2031, and the bill takes effect September 1, 2025. It is a procedural measure focused on document display, not substantive policy change.

passed · Texas · Senate May 12, 2025

SR 507: Recognizing Lance Simmons on the occasion of his retirement.

This is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 507) recognizing Lance Simmons' retirement from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) after a 32-year career. The resolution commends his service as chief engineer (appointed 2022), highlights his leadership in achieving record project volumes and safety improvements, and notes his 2014 Luther DeBerry Award. It does not create new laws or affect policy - it is solely a formal expression of appreciation from the Texas Senate.

passed · Texas · Senate May 12, 2025

SB 249: Relating to memorial markers for certain officers killed in the line of duty.

SB 249 creates a new provision allowing Texas transportation authorities to install memorial markers on highways, bridges, or streets for officers killed in the line of duty. It specifically applies to state/local law enforcement officers (under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2A.001) or federal officers performing duties in Texas (Article 2A.002). The bill changes funding rules by permitting the state to use general revenue funds or accept gifts/grants - instead of requiring private donations - to design, construct, and erect these markers. This policy change directly affects law enforcement families and communities seeking formal recognition on public infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed · Texas · Senate May 12, 2025

SB 1029: Relating to the advertising of certain used motor vehicles.

SB 1029 requires used car dealers to clearly disclose in advertisements when a specific vehicle isn't in their possession. It mandates that ads must state the vehicle will be obtained within a reasonable time from the manufacturer, distributor, or affiliated financial institution, and include the vehicle identification number (VIN) if a price is listed. This bill directly affects dealers advertising out-of-stock used vehicles, aiming to improve transparency for consumers. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

passed · Texas · Senate May 12, 2025

SR 514: Recognizing Citizens State Bank on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.

This is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 514) recognizing Citizens State Bank for its 100th anniversary. It honors the bank's history since 1925, including its founding in Somerville, expansion to multiple branches in Burleson, Washington, and Grimes Counties, and its commitment to community service through the Great Depression, World War II, and modern banking. The resolution has no policy impact or funding; it simply expresses the Texas Senate's commendation and congratulations to the bank's leadership and staff.

passed · Texas · Senate May 12, 2025

SR 510: Recognizing Ron Clinton on the occasion of his retirement.

This Senate resolution formally congratulates Dr. Ron Clinton on his retirement as president of Northeast Texas Community College after nearly four decades of service. It recognizes his leadership in expanding academic programs, implementing a $20 million campus renovation, and community involvement through roles like founding the NTCC Community Chorus. The resolution serves as a ceremonial tribute from the Texas Senate, expressing high regard for his career and contributions to education.

passed · Texas · Senate May 12, 2025

SR 495: Recognizing Jeffrey Hamilton for 50 years of service to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.

This is a ceremonial resolution (not legislation) from the Texas Senate. It formally recognizes Jeffrey Hamilton for his 50 years of membership in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, specifically honoring his service to the Theta Alpha Chapter in Dallas. The resolution commends him for embodying the fraternity's principles and contributions to his community. It has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely a symbolic gesture of appreciation.

passed · Texas · House May 12, 2025

HB 1677: Relating to the investigation of municipal fire fighters in certain municipalities.

HB 1677 requires municipalities with 10,000 or more residents to conduct administrative investigations into complaints against fire fighters before taking punitive actions like suspension or demotion. This law applies regardless of whether a fire fighter is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, and it overrides any conflicting terms in such agreements. The bill ensures fire fighters receive a copy of complaints within a reasonable time and mandates that investigations follow specific standards set by law. It also allows collective bargaining agreements to add additional investigation requirements, as long as they don't conflict with the new rules.

Topics ✗ Labor & Employment

passed · Texas · House May 12, 2025

HB 2180: Relating to a waiver of the preservation of evidence and the return of a seized weapon in a criminal case.

HB 2180 allows defendants who plead guilty or no contest to voluntarily waive their legal rights to have evidence (like toxicology samples) preserved until their sentence ends and to request the return of seized weapons. To do this, defendants must sign a written waiver with their lawyer, which a court must approve as "knowing, intelligent, and voluntary." After approval, evidence and weapons can be returned to others, used by police, sold, or destroyed after 120 days. Defendants may revoke the waiver within 120 days, and prosecutors cannot pressure defendants into waiving these rights as part of plea deals.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

passed · Texas · House May 12, 2025

HB 1441: Relating to the model training curriculum for school district peace officers and school resource officers.

HB 1441 requires school district peace officers and school resource officers in Texas to complete training based on a revised model curriculum. The bill mandates specific learning objectives, including child development, de-escalation techniques, mental health crisis intervention, and trauma-informed strategies to support students' behavioral and emotional needs. The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement must update the model curriculum to include these requirements, effective immediately after the bill's passage. This change directly affects all school safety personnel in Texas who undergo state-mandated training.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

Bill results