Texas Bills

signed · Texas · House Jun 20, 2025

HB 4157: Relating to liability protections for commercial space flight and exploration.

HB 4157 creates legal protections for commercial space flight companies by establishing requirements for liability waivers. It defines "space flight participant" as non-crew individuals aboard spacecraft and mandates that waivers must be in writing, printed in 10-point bold type, and signed by participants (including heirs and representatives). The bill also recognizes federal waivers under 14 C.F.R. § 440.17 as enforceable in Texas, covering contractors and customers. This law applies only to incidents occurring on or after its September 1, 2025 effective date.

signed · Texas · Senate Jun 20, 2025

SB 15: Relating to size and density requirements for residential lots in certain municipalities; authorizing a fee.

SB 15 limits zoning restrictions for small residential lots (4,000 sq ft or less) in certain large Texas municipalities (population over 90,000 in counties over 300,000). It prohibits municipalities from requiring lots larger than 1,400 sq ft, wider than 20 feet, or deeper than 60 feet, and mandates a minimum density of 31.1 units per acre. The bill also bans restrictions on covered parking, parking space limits, building height (requiring at least 3 stories), and excessive open space requirements for small lots. Municipalities may still charge permitting fees equivalent to single-family lot fees but cannot impose other zoning rules inconsistent with these provisions.

Topics ✓ Housing

signed · Texas · House Jun 20, 2025

HB 754: Relating to human trafficking prevention, including training for medical assistants, disclosure of human trafficking information by certain health care facilities, and protection for facility employees who report human trafficking.

HB 754 requires Texas health care facilities to post bilingual signs (in English, Spanish, and other languages spoken by 10%+ of staff) displaying human trafficking indicators, reporting resources, and a statement that medical assistants must complete trafficking prevention training. It mandates training for medical assistants through the Health and Human Services Commission and prohibits facilities from disciplining employees who report suspected trafficking in good faith. The law also requires facilities to disclose trafficking information to authorities as specified. This bill affects all Texas health care facilities and their medical assistant staff, taking effect September 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

signed · Texas · House Jun 20, 2025

HB 5331: Relating to the enforceability of certain state agency and local government contract language regarding required security incident notifications.

HB 5331 clarifies that contracts between state agencies or local governments and vendors (such as cybersecurity insurers) cannot include terms that prevent compliance with mandatory security incident notification requirements. Specifically, it makes void and unenforceable any contract language prohibiting or restricting government entities from reporting security incidents as required by law. This bill directly affects state and local government agencies that enter into contracts for goods, services, or cybersecurity insurance. It does not change existing notification requirements but ensures contract terms cannot bypass these legal obligations. The law took effect immediately upon the governor's signature on June 20, 2025.

Topics ✓ Technology

signed · Texas · Senate Jun 20, 2025

SB 3052: Relating to the powers and duties and validating certain acts and proceedings of the Cole Ranch Improvement District No. 1 of Denton County, Texas.

SB 3052 validates all prior actions taken by the Cole Ranch Improvement District No. 1 in Denton County, Texas, before the bill's effective date, except for matters already invalidated by court judgment or currently in litigation. It amends bond limits for the district, capping ad valorem tax bonds at 10% of the district's total property value and capping contract payment bonds at 10% of all districts' property value under the same contract. The bill ensures the district retains all existing powers and duties while confirming compliance with notice and procedural requirements under Texas law. It took effect immediately upon passage on June 20, 2025, directly affecting the Cole Ranch Improvement District and its property owners.

signed · Texas · House Jun 20, 2025

HCR 157: Designating Rockport as the official Redfish Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.

HCR 157 is a ceremonial resolution designating Rockport as the official "Redfish Capital of Texas" for a 10-year period ending in 2035. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or impact regulations - only formally recognizes Rockport's reputation for redfish (red drum) fishing and coastal tourism. The resolution cites the city's natural beauty, thriving redfish population, and community efforts in conservation as the basis for the designation. This symbolic title expires automatically on the 10th anniversary of the resolution's passage.

signed · Texas · House Jun 20, 2025

HB 117: Relating to the establishment of the governor's task force on the governance of early childhood education and care.

HB 117 establishes a governor's task force to address governance and operational challenges in Texas' early childhood education and care system. The task force, composed of state agency leaders (like the Education Agency and Health Services commissioners), educators, child-care providers, and community stakeholders, must review existing regulations and programs - including federal and local child-care services - to identify ways to improve efficiency. It directly affects state agencies, public and private early childhood programs, and providers operating under current systems. The bill creates no new funding or regulations but mandates a structured review process to inform future policy decisions.

Topics ✓ Education

signed · Texas · Senate Jun 20, 2025

SB 739: Relating to the definition of authorized peace officer for purposes of certain laws governing the installation and use of tracking equipment and access to certain communications.

SB 739 clarifies which law enforcement personnel can legally use tracking devices and access certain communications under Texas law. It expands the definition of "authorized peace officer" to include specific roles like county constables, municipal police officers, state park rangers, juvenile justice investigators, and state alcohol agency agents. This change ensures these officers can operate under existing legal frameworks without ambiguity when using tracking equipment or accessing communications data. The bill directly affects local, county, and state law enforcement agencies across Texas that rely on these tools for investigations.

Topics ✗ Technology

signed · Texas · House Jun 20, 2025

HB 2402: Relating to the determination of fees, charges, and rates for certain benefits under Medicaid.

HB 2402 sets new rules for how Texas Medicaid pays for medical services. It requires that fees, charges, or rates for Medicaid-covered benefits must match the "usual and customary" rates in the local community, unless federal law restricts them. The bill also explicitly excludes fees from monthly membership discount programs when determining payments. This directly affects healthcare providers who accept Medicaid by changing how they are reimbursed, and beneficiaries who receive covered services through Medicaid. The law takes effect September 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · Texas · House Jun 20, 2025

HB 5682: Relating to the creation of the Colmena Ranch Municipal Management District No. 1; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments and fees.

HB 5682 creates the Colmena Ranch Municipal Management District No. 1 in Collin County, Texas. The district can use limited eminent domain to acquire land, issue bonds for projects, and collect assessments and fees from property owners within its boundaries. Its purpose is to support economic development, improve community services like housing and transportation, and supplement - without replacing - county services in the Colmena Ranch area. This special district will focus on promoting public welfare, employment, and safety through locally funded initiatives.

signed · Texas · Senate Jun 20, 2025

SB 506: Relating to requirements for certain ballot propositions and to related procedures and provisions.

SB 506 requires ballot propositions in Texas to use clear, neutral wording that avoids misleading voters. It mandates the Secretary of State to review propositions within seven days for clarity and fairness, and directs cities to revise or replace misleading language. If cities fail to correct issues, the Secretary of State can draft the ballot language instead. This law directly affects home-rule cities, petitioners, and voters by standardizing ballot language for city charter amendments, initiatives, and referendums. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after passing both chambers and receiving gubernatorial approval.

signed · Texas · House Jun 20, 2025

HB 5323: Relating to the creation of the Texas Energy Waste Advisory Committee.

HB 5323 creates the Texas Energy Waste Advisory Committee to coordinate state efforts in reducing energy waste and improving efficiency across key agencies. The committee, composed of seven ex officio members from agencies like the Public Utility Commission, ERCOT's independent operator, comptroller, and environmental quality commission, will meet quarterly to review programs and make recommendations. It specifically targets reducing electricity demand during high-risk hours in the ERCOT power region to enhance grid reliability. The committee will provide input to state agencies including the State Energy Conservation Office and Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. The bill became effective September 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Bill results