Texas Bills

passed · Texas · House Apr 29, 2025

HR 944: Recognizing October 2025 as Rett Syndrome Awareness Month.

This resolution designates October 2025 as Rett Syndrome Awareness Month in Texas. It does not create new laws, funding, or programs, but formally recognizes the condition through a symbolic resolution. The bill encourages Texans to learn more about Rett syndrome, a rare genetic neurological disorder primarily affecting females, which causes developmental regression and requires lifelong care. It references ongoing research and the work of the International Rett Syndrome Foundation, but the resolution itself has no binding effect.

passed · Texas · House Apr 29, 2025

HB 4116: Relating to information made available to a relative or other designated caregiver.

HB 4116 requires Texas child welfare agencies to provide written information to relatives or designated caregivers when a child is placed with them. The bill mandates that caregivers receive clear details about becoming a licensed foster parent, financial differences between unverified and licensed status, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, and other available financial benefits. This policy directly affects relatives and designated caregivers of children in foster care by improving their access to resources and financial support options. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, and aims to clarify pathways for caregivers to access additional assistance.

passed · Texas · Senate Apr 29, 2025

SR 449: Recognizing April 29, 2025, as County Government Day.

Senate Resolution 449 designates April 29, 2025, as County Government Day at the Texas Capitol to honor county governments and the Texas Association of Counties. It recognizes the role of county officials in providing essential services like public safety, emergency response, election security, and mental health care across Texas's 254 counties. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but expresses the Senate's commendation for county governments' contributions during National County Government Month. This is a symbolic gesture with no legal effect, directed at the Texas Association of Counties and county officials.

passed · Texas · Senate Apr 29, 2025

SB 39: Relating to civil liability of a commercial motor vehicle owner or operator.

SB 39 amends Texas law to change how commercial vehicle accident lawsuits handle employer liability. It requires employers to formally admit (via stipulation) that an employee was acting within their job duties during a collision before negligence claims against the employer can proceed. This prevents claimants from presenting evidence about the employee's driving negligence in the first trial phase, but allows claims based on the employer's own actions (like poor vehicle maintenance) to move forward. The bill affects commercial motor vehicle owners/operators and accident victims seeking compensation for collisions. It applies only to cases filed or ongoing after its effective date.

passed · Texas · House Apr 29, 2025

HB 255: Relating to the definitions of certain terms for purposes of the exemption from ad valorem taxation of farm products in the hands of the producer.

HB 255 clarifies definitions for a property tax exemption on farm products produced by farmers. It adds livestock, poultry, and timber (including standing timber) to the list of "farm products" eligible for the exemption. The bill specifies that "in the hands of the producer" means livestock/poultry/eggs owned by the farmer on January 1 of the tax year, or timber still on the property where it was grown. This bill takes effect for tax years starting January 1, 2026, but only if voters approve a related constitutional amendment.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

passed · Texas · House Apr 29, 2025

HB 141: Relating to the adoption of the revised Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children by the State of Texas; making conforming changes.

HB 141 adopts the revised Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children into Texas law, aligning state procedures with a national agreement. The bill updates Texas Family Code definitions and procedures to standardize how child welfare agencies in Texas and other states place children across state lines, ensuring consistent oversight and service delivery. It directly affects Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and child welfare agencies in other states involved in interstate placements. Key mechanisms include requiring placements to be "safe and suitable," enabling ongoing supervision between states, and mandating uniform data sharing to facilitate timely placements. The compact aims to streamline processes while maintaining each state's legal responsibility for children in out-of-state placements.

passed · Texas · Senate Apr 29, 2025

SR 465: Recognizing April 29, 2025 as Donate Life Texas Day.

This Senate Resolution (SR 465) symbolically recognizes April 29, 2025, as "Donate Life Texas Day" to honor organ, eye, and tissue donors and promote awareness of organ donation. It highlights Texas’s need for more donors (with over 10,000 awaiting transplants and only ~60% of eligible Texans registered) and aligns with National Donate Life Month. The resolution has no legal effect but aims to encourage Texans to register as donors by celebrating existing donors and raising public awareness. It directly affects all Texans by promoting a public health initiative through symbolic recognition.

passed · Texas · House Apr 29, 2025

HB 2614: Relating to the regulation of motor vehicle booting.

HB 2614 regulates the practice of motor vehicle booting (placing devices on cars to prevent movement) in Texas. It requires booting companies to place a clear notice on vehicles at least 30 minutes before booting, including removal fees, contact details, and how to file complaints. The bill restricts booting to a facility's regular operating hours, with exceptions for residential properties, healthcare facilities, and government-owned land. Local authorities must create enforceable rules that include complaint procedures and penalties for booting companies violating these standards.

passed · Texas · House Apr 29, 2025

HB 3826: Relating to the creation of the Texas Energy Efficiency Council.

HB 3826 creates the Texas Energy Efficiency Council within the state's Utilities Code. The Council will coordinate statewide energy efficiency efforts, measure program performance, monitor utility programs, and connect state agencies with federal funding opportunities for energy conservation. It consists of nine ex officio members representing key state agencies, including the Public Utility Commission, Electric Reliability Council of Texas, and Texas A&M's Energy Systems Lab. The bill directly affects state agencies and utilities by establishing a centralized body to advance energy efficiency initiatives across Texas.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

passed · Texas · House Apr 29, 2025

HJR 8: Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas nuclear development fund to support the development, construction, and operation of advanced nuclear reactor projects for dispatchable electric generation.

HJR 8 proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Texas Nuclear Development Fund, a special state fund outside general revenue. The fund would provide grants to entities developing, constructing, and operating advanced nuclear reactors to support reliable electricity generation and grid reliability. Money for the fund would come from legislative appropriations, dedicated revenue, investments, and donations. This amendment, if approved by voters in 2025, would directly affect nuclear energy developers and Texas utilities seeking to advance nuclear power projects.

Topics ✓ Energy

passed · Texas · House Apr 29, 2025

HJR 72: Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the market value of a property that is the primary residence of an adult who has an intellectual or developmental disability and who must be related to the owner or trustee of the property within a certain degree by consanguinity.

HJR 72 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas lawmakers to create a property tax exemption for the primary residence of an adult with an intellectual or developmental disability. This exemption would apply only if the disabled adult is related to the property owner or trustee within the third degree of blood relation (e.g., cousins or closer). The exemption amount would match the existing homestead tax break for primary residences. The amendment must be approved by voters in the November 2025 election.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

passed · Texas · Senate Apr 29, 2025

SR 443: Recognizing April 29, 2025, as Jack County Day.

This resolution designates April 29, 2025, as "Jack County Day" to honor the county's history and celebrate its residents at the Texas State Capitol. It recognizes Jack County's cultural heritage, including its Indigenous roots, role in the Texas Revolution, and economic evolution from agriculture to oil production. The resolution extends a formal welcome to Jack County residents attending the Capitol event. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding policy effects or direct impact on legislation or constituents.

Bill results