HB 158 prohibits cities, counties, and other political subdivisions from using public funds to hire lobbyists or pay nonprofit associations that hire lobbyists to influence legislation. It allows exceptions for lobbying related to military, veterans, or military service issues, and for nonprofit associations providing specific legislative services like bill tracking or testimony. The bill restricts local governments from spending taxpayer money on lobbying activities while permitting limited exceptions for certain legislative support. Taxpayers may seek court action to stop violations and recover legal fees if the restriction is breached.
HB 67 would require Texas to deposit half of any surplus state general revenue at the end of each biennium into a property tax relief fund. This fund would be used exclusively by the Texas Education Agency to reduce school district property taxes through adjustments to the state's "compression percentage" formula. The bill directly affects school districts and property taxpayers by creating a mechanism to lower maintenance and operations tax rates. It applies starting with the 2027-2029 state fiscal biennium and takes effect 91 days after the legislative session ends.
HB 172 requires all commercial campgrounds in Texas (including those with cabins, RV sites, or tent areas) to obtain emergency safety certification from the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Campground operators must develop and submit an approved emergency preparedness plan, which includes equipping each cabin with satellite or radio communication devices for emergencies and posting clear evacuation instructions at cabin entrances. Failure to comply results in a $1,000 civil penalty per violation, with each day of non-compliance counted as a separate offense. The law aims to improve guest safety during emergencies by mandating specific communication and evacuation measures.
HB 156 requires Texas counties, cities, and other local governments operating outdoor warning sirens to adopt a standardized statewide activation protocol. The protocol establishes uniform criteria for activating sirens during emergencies like tornado warnings, flash floods, or local disaster declarations, while specifying that it does not cover siren testing, maintenance, or coverage requirements. It mandates the state division to develop this protocol and create an advisory committee of emergency management experts to guide its implementation. Local governments must implement the protocol, which will be published online for public access.
HB 142 reduces the maximum tax rate school districts can levy for the 2026-2027 school year by directing $200 million in federal border security funds to the Texas Education Agency. It requires the commissioner to calculate each district's current maximum tax rate and reduce it equally using these funds, while ensuring no district's rate falls below 90% of another district's rate. This change directly affects all Texas public school districts by lowering their allowable tax rates for that school year. The bill updates how school funding formulas reference these tax rates, ensuring the reduction is reflected in calculations for state funding. The appropriation expires September 1, 2028.
HB 45 requires the Texas Division of Emergency Management to create and post online a public guide for civic, volunteer, and community organizations on preparing for and responding to flooding disasters. The guide must cover community engagement strategies, minimizing casualties through volunteer coordination, accessing trauma and recovery services, long-term resilience planning, communication protocols, and training resources. It must be developed in collaboration with relevant state agencies and community stakeholders, and posted on the division's website by April 1, 2026. The bill directly affects local organizations that coordinate disaster response efforts, providing them with standardized guidance for flood preparedness and recovery.
HB 55 requires municipalities and counties to install outdoor warning sirens at two-mile intervals along rivers in areas classified as "flood-risk zones" (defined as locations impacted by flooding at least once in the past 100 years). Each siren must include a water-level sensor and solar-powered backup energy. Local governments are responsible for installation, maintenance, and operation based on whether the area is incorporated (municipality) or unincorporated (county). The bill also mandates regular testing of all sirens to ensure functionality during flood events.
HB 44 updates jurisdiction rules for Atascosa County Court at Law. It grants this court concurrent authority with district court in misdemeanor cases, family law, juvenile matters, probate, appeals from lower courts, and civil cases under $1 million (excluding certain damages). The bill also adds a provision allowing county court judges to be assigned to district court cases in Atascosa County. These changes apply only to cases filed after the law's effective date.
HB 166 would prohibit Texas school districts from imposing maintenance and operations property taxes starting January 1, 2028, directly affecting all school districts and property owners in those districts. It allows districts to instead levy a new "enrichment tax" of up to $0.17 per $100 in property value, separate from state funding. The bill also creates a joint legislative committee to study alternative revenue sources, such as expanding state consumption taxes, to fulfill Texas's constitutional duty to fund public schools. This bill focuses on restructuring school funding mechanisms rather than changing existing tax rates.
HB 43 requires manufacturers and sellers of consumable hemp products (like edibles or drinks) sold in Texas to include specific labeling. Products containing more than trace cannabinoids must display a batch ID, date, product name, manufacturer details, a certificate of analysis URL, THC concentration certification (max 0.3%), and a randomly selected health warning from a list. The warnings address risks like child poisoning, delayed effects, brain development impacts for those under 25, mental health concerns, addiction, and pregnancy dangers. This directly affects hemp product businesses distributing consumables in Texas, mandating clear consumer information about potential health risks.
HB 6 regulates consumable hemp products in Texas, including items like CBD edibles, oils, and vape products containing hemp-derived cannabinoids. It requires businesses to obtain occupational licenses and pay fees, while establishing criminal penalties for violations. The bill exempts certain products (like hemp seed oil used in food), research activities, medical prescriptions, and hemp cultivation under separate agricultural laws. It also defines "minor" as anyone under 21 to address product safety for youth. The law aims to create a regulatory framework for these products under Texas Health and Safety Code.
HB 86 requires Texas youth camps to post clear emergency evacuation maps in all overnight accommodations, showing two routes to a safe meeting point and emergency equipment locations. It also mandates that all campers and staff receive pre-camp instruction on evacuation routes, equipment, and map usage. The bill directly affects youth camps operating in Texas, setting specific safety standards for emergency preparedness. These requirements become effective once the executive commissioner adopts implementing rules. The law focuses on concrete, visible safety measures rather than broader policy changes.
