HB 304 creates a state franchise tax credit for businesses opening grocery stores or "healthy corner stores" (under 2,000 sq. ft. with 20% fresh food space) in designated food deserts. It directly affects businesses that open such stores after January 1, 2026, in low-income areas with limited healthy food access. To qualify, stores must accept WIC and SNAP benefits within 90 days of opening and operate year-round. The credit reduces the business’s state tax liability for establishing these stores, aiming to improve healthy food access in underserved communities.
HB 305 modifies Texas election procedures to allow voters who change their residence within a county to vote immediately in their new precinct, rather than waiting 30 days for registration updates. It requires voters to submit a statement at the polling place confirming their new address and meeting residency requirements, including providing full registration details. This applies only to voters changing address within the same county, not to those moving to a different county. The bill takes effect for notices submitted on or after its effective date, making registration changes effective immediately upon submission of the required statement. It does not affect voters moving to a different county or those who have already updated their registration.
HB 303 requires Texas' Commission on Jail Standards to study the living conditions and safety of people confined in Harris County Jail. The commission must complete this study and submit a written report with recommendations to the legislature by December 1, 2026. This bill directly affects Harris County Jail inmates by mandating an official evaluation of their conditions, and it places a specific reporting obligation on the Commission. The bill expires September 1, 2027, but does not change existing jail policies.
This is a ceremonial resolution, not a policy bill. HR 62 formally congratulates El Mercado restaurant in Austin on its 40th anniversary, recognizing its history since 1985 as a family-owned Tex-Mex establishment that evolved from a market to a popular dining destination with multiple locations. The resolution, adopted by the Texas House of Representatives, includes a symbolic gesture of presenting an official copy to the restaurant. It has no legal effect or policy changes; it solely serves as a formal expression of appreciation from the legislature.
This resolution (HR 71) formally congratulates the West Brownsville Little League Junior Softball All-Stars for winning the 2025 Texas West State Tournament championship and advancing to the Junior League Southwest Region Tournament. It specifically recognizes the team's undefeated run through district, sectional, and state tournaments - the first in the league's 73-year history to reach the regional competition - and acknowledges the contributions of all 12 players and their coaches. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact and solely serves to express legislative recognition of the team's achievement.
This is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) commemorating No Label Brewing Co.'s 15th anniversary in Katy, Texas. It honors the brewery's founding in 2010, its community contributions, and its awards (including 2023 and 2022 competition medals), with no policy changes or direct impacts on constituents. The Texas House formally adopted the resolution on August 27, 2025, to express "high regard" and provide the brewery with an official copy. It is purely symbolic, with no legislative effect beyond recognition.
This is a non-binding resolution (not a substantive bill) congratulating Hemulata Basumatary, owner of Hemu's Sweet Sensation bakery in Katy, Texas, for appearing in the Food Network's "Super Mega Cakes" series. It recognizes her baking achievements, including participation in other competitions like "Halloween Wars" and "Wedding Cake Championship," and her community impact. The resolution formally extends the Texas House of Representatives' congratulations and best wishes for her continued success. It has no policy effects or legal requirements - it is purely a ceremonial tribute.
This is a commemorative resolution, not a policy bill. HR 8 formally recognizes the 2026 Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 3719 Charity BBQ Cook-Off in Crystal Beach, Texas. The resolution expresses the Texas House's support for this event, which benefits local schools and charities through a sanctioned barbecue competition attracting chefs from across Texas. It does not create new laws or change existing policies.
This is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) passed by the Texas House of Representatives. It formally congratulates Horace Hodge on retiring from the U.S. Department of Agriculture after 48 years of service, specifically recognizing his work with historically Black colleges through the USDA's 1890 Program. The resolution extends best wishes for his retirement and includes a copy as a token of appreciation. It has no legal effect or policy changes, serving solely as a formal expression of respect.
This is a commemorative resolution (not a bill) passed by the Texas House of Representatives. It formally congratulates the Raymondville Early College High School Bearkat Band for being named the 2026 3A Honor Band by the Texas Music Educators Association. The resolution highlights the band's achievement of receiving first-place rankings from all five judges in both competition rounds and their invitation to perform at the 2026 TMEA Convention. The House will present an official copy of the resolution to the band as a gesture of recognition.
This is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) congratulating Michael Rye, an art teacher at Rosedale School in Austin Independent School District (Austin ISD), on being named the district's 2025 Teacher of the Year. The Texas House of Representatives formally recognizes his achievement through this resolution, which expresses "high regard" for his work. It has no binding effect or policy impact - it simply offers symbolic praise. The resolution was adopted by the House on August 27, 2025, and will be presented to Mr. Rye as a formal gesture of appreciation.
This resolution (HR 72) is a symbolic gesture of recognition by the Texas House of Representatives honoring Amber Cervantes for her advocacy work related to Huntington's disease. It directly affects Cervantes, a Georgetown educator and advocate whose husband was diagnosed with the disease, by formally acknowledging her efforts to raise awareness and support for families impacted by Huntington's. The resolution includes two key provisions: expressing the House's honor for her work and delivering an official copy to her as a gesture of appreciation. This is a non-binding commemorative resolution with no policy changes or funding implications.
