Texas Bills

passed · Texas · Senate May 8, 2025

SB 517: Relating to gambling criminal offenses and a defense to prosecution for a gambling offense; increasing criminal penalties.

SB 517 amends Texas Penal Code sections defining gambling offenses and penalties. It clarifies that most electronic or mechanical gaming devices (like video poker or slot machines) qualify as gambling devices, removing an exemption for low-value prize machines (e.g., those offering prizes under $5 or 10 times the play cost). The bill upgrades penalties for violating these laws from Class A misdemeanors to third-degree felonies. This directly affects operators of gaming machines, including casinos, arcades, and businesses using electronic games, by expanding the scope of prohibited devices and increasing criminal consequences.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

passed · Texas · Senate May 8, 2025

SR 497: Recognizing Austin Habitat for Humanity on the occasion of its 40th anniversary and on its collaboration with the 2025 Carter Work Project.

This Senate Resolution (SR 497) is a ceremonial recognition of Austin Habitat for Humanity's 40th anniversary and its collaboration with the 2025 Carter Work Project. It does not create new laws or affect any policies or individuals. The resolution formally commends the organization for its work building affordable housing and strengthening communities across Central Texas, and extends well-wishes for its anniversary celebration and the upcoming Carter Work Project event in October 2025. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect beyond expressing the Texas Senate's appreciation.

passed · Texas · House May 8, 2025

HB 1813: Relating to a parental right to information concerning a public school special education program and certain requirements for persons serving as special education representatives and hearing officers at impartial due process hearings; authorizing a fee.

HB 1813 requires Texas school districts to provide parents with a clear, easy-to-understand document explaining special education program processes, including how to participate in meetings, access legal representation, and file complaints about non-attorney representatives. It mandates that this information be included in the standard procedural safeguards notice parents receive. The bill also sets new qualifications for special education representatives and hearing officers, prohibiting conflicts of interest (like prior employment with a district) and requiring knowledge of special education laws and ethics agreements for paid representatives. This bill directly affects parents of students in special education programs, school districts, and professionals serving as representatives or hearing officers, while authorizing a fee for certain services.

Topics ✓ Education

passed · Texas · Senate May 8, 2025

SB 2586: Relating to information that a property owners' association must file with the Texas Real Estate Commission.

SB 2586 requires property owners' associations (POAs) in Texas to electronically file two specific documents with the Texas Real Estate Commission within seven days of recording a management certificate: their governing legal documents (dedicatory instruments) and enforcement rules (under Section 209.0061). The Commission may only use this information to make it publicly accessible online, not for enforcement. The bill also protects homeowners from liability for assessments or fees during periods when a POA fails to file, unless the delay was willful or due to gross negligence. This applies to all POAs, with existing associations required to file by June 1, 2026, after the Commission establishes the electronic system by December 1, 2025.

passed · Texas · Senate May 8, 2025

SR 506: Recognizing May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month.

This resolution (SR 506) is a symbolic gesture by the Texas Senate to recognize May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month. It formally acknowledges the historical contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States and Texas, including their roles in the Texas Revolution, community founding, and cultural enrichment. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it serves only as a ceremonial acknowledgment by the Texas Senate. It directly affects the state legislature's official recognition of this observance. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 8, 2025.

passed · Texas · House May 8, 2025

HB 2248: Relating to the public information law.

HB 2248 amends Texas' public information law to clarify requirements for government offices handling public record requests. It requires government offices to notify requesters in writing within 10 business days if no responsive information exists (Section 1(f)) or if information is withheld based on prior decisions (Section 1(g)), including specifying the basis for withholding. The bill also prohibits charging fees for certain public records, such as election reports not available online or when government offices miss response deadlines (Section 2). These changes directly affect government offices managing public records and citizens or media seeking those records under Texas law.

passed · Texas · Senate May 8, 2025

SB 2422: Relating to investigations and disciplinary or punitive action by the Texas Medical Board regarding certain treatments or practices regarding COVID-19 and to the required expungement of certain records.

SB 2422 prohibits the Texas Medical Board from investigating or disciplining healthcare professionals for prescribing or advocating ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, or budesonide for COVID-19 treatment, making statements about mask effectiveness, or failing to require masks (except in areas where mask-wearing was customary before the pandemic). It requires the Medical Board to expunge all records created since January 1, 2020, containing those drug names or the word "mask" in disciplinary contexts, and to vacate any penalties based on such records. The bill would take effect immediately if passed by a two-thirds vote, or on September 1, 2025, if not.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Texas · House May 8, 2025

HB 1027: Relating to the provision of telepharmacy services.

HB 1027 establishes rules for telepharmacy services in Texas, directly affecting pharmacies and health centers offering remote medication dispensing. It requires telepharmacy systems to operate only at designated facilities like rural clinics, federally qualified health centers, and health centers in medically underserved areas. Key provisions include limiting a pharmacy to two remote sites, mandating monthly controlled substance reconciliation by pharmacists, requiring on-site technicians under pharmacist supervision, and setting specific staffing ratios (max three technicians per pharmacist). The bill also specifies that technicians must have one year of retail pharmacy experience and complete board-approved telepharmacy training before working at remote sites.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Texas · Senate May 8, 2025

SB 1525: Relating to prior authorization for prescription drug benefits related to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

SB 1525 would limit insurance companies in Texas from requiring more than one annual prior authorization for prescription drugs treating neurodegenerative diseases (like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's), autoimmune diseases, hemophilia, or Von Willebrand disease. It specifically allows insurers to require a prior authorization for a *new* prescription drug for a neurodegenerative disease, but not for ongoing treatment. The law would apply only to health plans delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026. This bill directly affects patients with these conditions who rely on prescription medications for treatment.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Texas · Senate May 8, 2025

SB 2119: Relating to an exemption from certain immunization requirements for medical and veterinary students.

SB 2119 would allow medical and veterinary students in Texas to seek exemptions from certain immunization requirements for enrollment or course participation. Students could provide either a signed affidavit stating they decline immunizations for conscience or religious reasons (using a specific form) or a physician's certificate stating immunizations would harm their health. These documents must be submitted to the school's admitting official within 90 days of notarization. The bill specifically applies to students in accredited medical schools or veterinary medicine programs, not general student populations.

passed · Texas · House May 8, 2025

HB 1181: Relating to the assignment of certain retired and former justices and judges.

HB 1181 amends Texas law to allow the chief justice of the Supreme Court to assign retired or former justices and judges to active appellate courts without requiring a vacancy. To qualify, individuals must have served at least 72 months (with 48 in appellate court), certify no judicial misconduct history, complete annual education requirements, and agree to recusal from cases involving former clients or attorney work in their assigned court for two years. The bill directly affects retired judges who meet these criteria, enabling them to fill temporary judicial roles. This policy change aims to address judicial staffing needs while maintaining ethical safeguards.

passed · Texas · House May 8, 2025

HB 2298: Relating to a health care facility grant program supporting the use of artificial intelligence technology in scanning medical images for cancer detection.

HB 2298 establishes a Texas grant program to help hospitals and health care facilities (including federally qualified health centers) adopt artificial intelligence technology for scanning medical images to detect cancer. Qualified applicants must provide 10% matching funds and submit detailed plans for AI implementation, physician review protocols, and expected scan volumes. Grants are capped at $250,000 per recipient, with no more than five awards annually, and recipients must report annual results including scans performed and cancer cases identified. The bill focuses on funding AI tools for early cancer detection through medical imaging, requiring transparency and accountability in how funds are used.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

Bill results