Texas Bills

passed · Texas · House May 6, 2025

HB 5085: Relating to a study on the impact of certain seed banks and seed preservation on access to food and the environment.

HB 5085 requires the Texas Department of Agriculture to study how seed banks and seed preservation impact food access and the environment. The study will focus on counties with populations over 2 million and conservation facilities, examining food availability (including seed bank capacity and limitations) and environmental effects (like disaster recovery and climate mitigation). The department must submit a report with findings and recommendations by December 1, 2026. This is a procedural bill that mandates research but does not change existing laws or regulations.

passed · Texas · Senate May 6, 2025

SB 1224: Relating to the reporting of certain public or private school employee misconduct to local law enforcement.

SB 1224 requires public school district leaders (superintendents, directors) and private school chief administrators to notify local police or county sheriffs within 48 hours if they have reasonable cause to believe an educator committed specific misconduct, such as sexual abuse or violence. This applies to all public school entities (including charter schools) and private schools in Texas. Failure to report can result in fines up to $10,000 for educators or a state jail felony for school leaders who intentionally conceal misconduct. The bill amends Texas Education Code sections 21.006 and 21.0062 to establish these reporting requirements and penalties.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education

passed · Texas · House May 6, 2025

HB 2783: Relating to automatic participation by certain county employees in deferred compensation plans provided by certain counties.

HB 2783 requires certain Texas counties to automatically enroll eligible county employees in the county’s deferred compensation plan (a retirement savings program) unless the employee opts out. Employees would contribute 3% of their pay automatically through payroll deductions to a default investment option chosen by the plan administrator, replacing the previous requirement for employees to actively consent. This applies to counties that choose to adopt the automatic enrollment policy through a commissioners court order, and counties must inform new employees about their participation options and responsibilities. Employees can later adjust their contribution amount, switch investment options, or opt out entirely through the county’s designated process.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Texas · Senate May 6, 2025

SR 417: Recognizing May 6, 2025 as Golf Day.

This is a ceremonial resolution (SR 417), not a law. It formally recognizes May 6, 2025, as "Golf Day" in Texas. The resolution highlights golf's economic contributions (including $14.2 billion in 2023 and 107,000 jobs) and cultural significance in the state. It does not create any new policy or affect specific individuals or entities; it is a symbolic gesture to celebrate the sport.

passed · Texas · Senate May 6, 2025

SR 502: In memory of Melissa Pollard.

This is a commemorative Senate Resolution (SR 502) honoring Deputy Melissa Pollard of the Wood County Sheriff's Office, who died in the line of duty on April 9, 2025. The resolution recognizes her 22-year law enforcement career, her community service (including Project Lifesaver and SPCA involvement), and her family, while extending condolences to her daughter, grandchildren, sisters, and colleagues. It does not create new laws or policies - it is a symbolic tribute approved by the Texas Senate on May 6, 2025.

passed · Texas · Senate May 6, 2025

SB 1183: Relating to electronic benefits transfer cards used by or for recipients of benefits under certain assistance programs.

SB 1183 requires Texas electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards for recipients of financial assistance or food benefits to display the recipient's name, photograph, a fraud hotline number, and a fraud reporting website. The Department of Public Safety must provide the commission with recipient photos for card use, unless the recipient qualifies for an exemption (such as being 65+ or under 19, blind, disabled, a domestic violence victim, homeless, or issued the card in person). Exemptions also apply if the Department lacks a recipient's photo. The bill aims to deter fraud by making it easier for the public to report misuse of benefits.

passed · Texas · Senate May 6, 2025

SR 500: In memory of Jessie Ray Perez.

Senate Resolution 500 is a commemorative resolution honoring Dawson County Deputy Jessie Ray Perez, who died in the line of duty on April 22, 2025. It extends condolences to his family - including his wife, four children, mother, siblings, and grandson - and recognizes his service as a deputy, firefighter, and community leader. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it solely serves to memorialize his life and legacy. The Texas Senate passed this resolution on May 6, 2025, to honor his dedication to public service.

passed · Texas · House May 6, 2025

HB 3426: Relating to the issuance of digital driver's licenses, commercial driver's licenses, and personal identification certificates; authorizing a fee.

HB 3426 requires the Texas Department of Public Safety to issue digital versions of driver's licenses, commercial driver's licenses, and personal identification certificates. These digital licenses must be accessible via smartphone apps, include all standard license information, and meet security verification standards. The bill specifies that digital licenses will be treated as legally equivalent to physical licenses under Texas law for most purposes. It also authorizes the department to charge a fee for providing this service.

Topics ✓ Technology

passed · Texas · Senate May 6, 2025

SB 28: Relating to a lottery game played or facilitated for play by telephone or through an Internet or mobile Internet application; creating criminal offenses.

SB 28 prohibits purchasing or facilitating the purchase of state lottery tickets via telephone, internet, or mobile applications. It specifically bans individuals from buying tickets online or through apps (a Class C misdemeanor) and bans selling or arranging such purchases for compensation (a Class A misdemeanor). The bill directly affects residents attempting to access lottery games digitally and businesses or individuals offering such services. It creates new criminal penalties under Section 466.318 of the Government Code, effective September 1, 2025. The law aims to enforce existing age and location restrictions for lottery play by closing digital loopholes.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✗ Technology

passed · Texas · House May 6, 2025

HR 897: Recognizing May 6, 2025, as Golf Day.

HR 897 is a symbolic resolution recognizing May 6, 2025, as "Golf Day" in Texas. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges golf's economic, environmental, and cultural contributions to Texas, citing its $14.2 billion economic impact, 107,000 jobs, and role in community well-being. The resolution highlights golf's pandemic-era benefits, Texas' 800+ courses, and its historical significance through the Texas Golf Hall of Fame. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding effect and is intended solely for ceremonial recognition.

passed · Texas · Senate May 6, 2025

SR 501: Recognizing Cindy Ramos-Davidson for her service to the city of El Paso.

This is a Senate resolution (SR 501), not a bill with policy changes. It formally commends Cindy Ramos-Davidson for her service to El Paso, specifically recognizing her 27-year leadership as CEO of the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The resolution highlights her work fostering over 20,000 startups, creating 30,000+ jobs, and driving $750 million in regional economic impact. It includes no policy provisions or legal effect - it solely expresses the Texas Senate's appreciation and will be presented to her as a formal commendation.

passed · Texas · House May 6, 2025

HB 1295: Relating to a health literacy plan developed by the statewide health coordinating council and the inclusion of health literacy in the state health plan.

HB 1295 requires Texas' statewide health coordinating council to develop and update a long-range plan every two years aimed at improving health literacy across the state. The plan must study low health literacy's economic impact, identify risk factors, and examine strategies like plain language instructions for patients and health care providers. The bill also mandates that the state health plan explicitly address health literacy as a key concern and include specific strategies to improve it, with the goal of enhancing patient safety, reducing preventable errors, and achieving better health outcomes. This directly affects the health coordinating council (which must create the plan) and the state health plan (which must integrate health literacy efforts).

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Bill results