Texas Bills

passed · Texas · House May 28, 2025

HB 3664: Relating to the training of prospective grand jurors and to grand jury proceedings.

HB 3664 requires prospective grand jurors to complete mandatory training before being selected to serve, as specified in Texas Government Code §72.0365. It restricts grand juries from re-investigating individuals previously cleared for the same offense unless new evidence emerges, and mandates that state prosecutors disclose exculpatory evidence to grand juries before voting on indictments. The bill also requires prosecutors to provide written certification listing such evidence when delivering indictments. These changes aim to standardize grand jury procedures, ensure transparency in evidence presentation, and prevent redundant investigations.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

passed both · Texas · House May 28, 2025

HJR 133: Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a veteran who died as a result of a condition or disease that is presumed under federal law to have been service-connected.

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Texas to create a property tax exemption for surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-connected conditions. Specifically, it would authorize the legislature to exempt all or part of the market value of a surviving spouse's primary home (homestead) from ad valorem taxes, provided the veteran died from a condition presumed service-connected under federal law and the spouse has not remarried. If a spouse moves to a new homestead, they could retain the same tax exemption amount as their previous home. The amendment requires voter approval in November 2025 and would take effect January 1, 2026, if approved.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Veterans

passed · Texas · House May 28, 2025

HR 1416: Congratulating the UT Austin speech team on winning the national championship at the 2025 American Forensic Association National Speech Tournament.

This resolution (HR 1416) formally congratulates the University of Texas at Austin speech team for winning the 2025 American Forensic Association National Speech Tournament championship. It specifically recognizes their fourth consecutive national title, 11th program championship overall, and individual achievements like Ishika Bhasin's impromptu speaking victory. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or binding effect - it solely expresses the Texas House of Representatives' symbolic recognition of the team's accomplishment.

passed · Texas · Senate May 28, 2025

SB 1790: Relating to the composition of the Comal County Juvenile Board.

This bill amends the composition of Comal County's Juvenile Board by specifying its six required members: the county judge, county court judges (from each county court at law), two judicial officers appointed by the district judge, the 22nd District Court judge, and the criminal district attorney. It directly affects how the board is structured in Comal County, changing its membership from prior arrangements to this defined list. The key mechanism establishes specific roles and appointment processes for board members under Texas law. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, but was reported adversely by the Senate Criminal Justice Committee on May 7, 2025.

passed · Texas · House May 28, 2025

HB 1449: Relating to permits for mobile food service establishments operating in certain counties.

HB 1449 standardizes permits for mobile food vendors (like food trucks) in Texas counties with over 1 million residents that contain specific airport features. It prohibits cities within those counties from requiring extra permits beyond the state’s standard permit, sets county fees equal to the state’s biennial fee for similar permits, and allows counties to collaborate with cities on inspections. The law affects mobile food businesses operating in qualifying counties and local governments managing permits. It takes effect September 1, 2025.

passed · Texas · House May 28, 2025

HB 4580: Relating to the exemption from ad valorem taxation of property owned by certain nonprofit corporations and used to promote agriculture, support youth, and provide educational support in the community.

HB 4580 would exempt property owned by qualifying nonprofits in Texas counties with 3.3 million or more residents from property taxes. Specifically, it applies to nonprofits organized exclusively for charitable, educational, or scientific purposes that use property to promote agriculture, support youth programs, or provide community educational services. The exemption covers all real and personal property held for these uses but does not extend to for-profit lessees' interests in such property. This change would take effect January 1, 2026, for eligible properties in designated populous counties.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

passed · Texas · House May 28, 2025

HB 3748: Relating to reimbursing employees of the Department of Family and Protective Services for loss of or damage to personal property.

HB 3748 creates a new reimbursement process for employees of Texas' Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). It allows the department to reimburse current or former employees for loss or damage to personal property that occurs while they are performing job duties, using existing department funds. The bill does not require new state funding or change existing employee protections. It takes effect on September 1, 2025, and directly affects DFPS employees who experience work-related property damage.

passed · Texas · House May 28, 2025

HR 1339: Recognizing May 28, 2025, as Coryell County Day at the State Capitol.

HR 1339 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing May 28, 2025, as "Coryell County Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It formally welcomes a delegation from Coryell County to the Capitol on that date to celebrate the county's history and contributions. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is a symbolic gesture acknowledging Coryell County's heritage and current community. This recognition directly affects Coryell County residents and officials who will be invited to the Capitol for the event.

passed · Texas · House May 28, 2025

HB 3483: Relating to the authority of a special utility district to issue a public security.

HB 3483 amends the definition of "Issuer" in Texas law to expand which entities can issue public securities (like bonds). It specifically adds qualifying home-rule municipalities, conservation districts, transit authorities, hospital authorities in large counties, and counties meeting population or debt thresholds to the list of eligible issuers. This change directly affects these local government entities by clarifying their authority to borrow funds through public securities. The bill does not create new powers but updates existing definitions to include these additional organizations under current securities law.

Topics ✓ Transportation

passed · Texas · House May 28, 2025

HR 247: In memory of U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of Houston.

This is a memorial resolution (HR 247), not a policy bill. It honors the late U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of Houston following her death on July 19, 2024. The resolution recognizes her decades of service in Congress, including her work as a champion for social justice, her authorship of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, and her leadership roles in the House. It was adopted by the House on May 23, 2025, and reported enrolled on May 28, 2025, as a formal tribute to her legacy.

passed · Texas · House May 28, 2025

HR 1423: Recognizing May 28, 2025, as Irving Fire Department Advocacy Day at the State Capitol.

HR 1423 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing May 28, 2025, as "Irving Fire Department Advocacy Day" at the Texas State Capitol. It honors the Irving Fire Department's 100th anniversary by extending a formal welcome to their delegation for a Capitol visit. The resolution highlights the department's growth from 20 volunteers in 1925 to over 400 personnel serving 250,000 residents today, including its nationally recognized Class 1 rating for fire services. This resolution does not create new laws or affect policy - it is purely symbolic recognition for the department.

passed · Texas · House May 28, 2025

HB 4204: Relating to prohibiting the use of unfair service agreements; creating an offense.

HB 4204 prohibits service agreements for residential real estate maintenance or home sales that contain unfair terms, directly affecting homeowners and service providers like contractors. It defines unfair agreements as those binding future owners without consent, allowing unconsented transfers of service rights, or creating legal claims on property. The bill makes such agreements invalid and unenforceable, while excluding home warranties, utility services, and standard insurance contracts. Violating this law constitutes a deceptive business practice under Texas law.

Bill results