HJR 33 proposes a constitutional amendment to create a "property tax reduction fund" that would use surplus state sales tax revenue to lower school district property taxes. The fund would receive 60% of annual sales tax revenue exceeding a growth limit for state spending, with all funds required to reduce school district property taxes. Any surplus beyond school tax reductions could be used by the legislature to lower other state taxes. This amendment must be approved by voters in a May 2026 election and would take effect for the 2027 fiscal biennium.
This bill prohibits registered lobbyists from representing local government entities that impose taxes, members of those entities' governing bodies, or nonprofit organizations that primarily advocate for such entities. The restriction applies only to new contracts entered into after the bill takes effect. The law will become effective 91 days following the end of the legislative session. This change directly affects lobbyists seeking to work with specific government and advocacy groups.
HB 271 requires Texas youth camp operators to create and maintain written emergency operations plans covering specific scenarios like natural disasters, lost campers, fires, medical emergencies, and aquatic incidents. The bill mandates that these plans include clear procedures for campers, staff, and volunteers to follow during emergencies, such as sheltering, evacuation, and communication protocols. Camp operators must annually review and update their plans to ensure they remain effective. This law directly affects all youth camp operators in Texas by establishing concrete safety requirements for emergency preparedness.
HB 269 requires campground entities (owners/operators of campgrounds) to obtain approval from the Texas Division of Emergency Management before constructing or expanding any campground or campground structure within a floodway (an area at high risk of flooding, as defined by federal flood maps). This applies to new construction or expansions starting March 1, 2026, mandating that entities submit detailed plans for review. Approval is required only if plans minimize flooding, ensure safe evacuation routes, provide access for emergency responders, and meet additional division rules. The bill also authorizes administrative penalties for violations and allows affected individuals to file private lawsuits.
SB 66 allows local areas within Texas regional transportation authorities to allocate up to 25% of their annual sales tax revenue toward local transportation projects. This includes building/maintaining sidewalks, trails, roads, streetlights, traffic signals, and drainage improvements related to transportation infrastructure. Funds are distributed with 50% available at the start of the fiscal year and 50% on a reimbursement basis by year-end. Unused funds must be used to pay down debt secured by a 1% sales tax rate. The bill directly affects local governments participating in regional transportation authorities that manage these tax revenues.
HB 261 creates the Texas Interoperability Council to develop a statewide plan ensuring emergency communication systems across agencies can work together during crises. The Council will administer grants to local governments (including cities, counties, and special districts) for purchasing compatible communication equipment and building infrastructure that enables first responders to communicate effectively. This bill directly provides a new funding mechanism for local governments to upgrade emergency communication capabilities without requiring new state funding.
HB 268 prohibits youth camps from using structures with their lowest floor located within a 100-year floodplain and below the base flood elevation as overnight accommodations. This bill directly affects youth camps operating in designated flood-prone areas across Texas. The key provision amends the Health and Safety Code to require the executive commissioner to establish this specific floodplain safety standard, adding it to existing health and safety requirements for camps. The bill would take effect immediately if approved by a two-thirds vote, otherwise on the 91st day after the legislative session.
HB 264 creates the 490th Judicial District, which will exclusively cover Brazoria County, Texas. The bill amends the Government Code to formally establish this new court district, defining its boundaries and jurisdiction. It takes effect on September 1, 2026, after being filed in August 2025. This is a procedural bill with no substantive policy changes, solely organizing judicial administration for Brazoria County.
SB 64 requires Texas public schools to include age-appropriate, medically accurate instruction on fetal development for students in grades 7 and 8 as part of the health curriculum. The instruction must cover the human reproductive process, pregnancy, infertility, prevention of birth defects (including effects of drugs, alcohol, and environmental hazards), and fetal growth and development by trimester. The State Board of Education may extend this requirement to other grade levels, but the bill specifically mandates it for grades 7 and 8. This policy directly affects public school students in those grades and school districts implementing the health curriculum.
HB 255 allows local areas (units of election) within regional transportation authorities to use up to 25% of their annual sales and use tax revenue for local transportation improvements. The program covers projects like building sidewalks, trails, roads, streetlights, traffic signals, and drainage systems. Each year, local units must submit project lists to the regional board, with funds disbursed 50% upfront and 50% as projects are completed. Unused funds must be applied to reducing the authority's debt secured by a 1% sales tax rate. This bill directly affects local governments and transportation authorities in Texas.
HR 63 is a concurrent resolution to formally congratulate Ronald Paul Werner of Taylor on his 90th birthday. This procedural bill does not create any policy changes, legal obligations, or financial impacts - it serves solely as a ceremonial tribute from Congress. It directly honors Mr. Werner, a Taylor resident, with no effect on laws or government operations. As a symbolic gesture, it follows standard practice for recognizing individuals' milestones without substantive legislative action.
This is a symbolic resolution (HR 62) passed by the Texas House of Representatives to formally congratulate Reanna Santos of Angleton on being named Miss Rodeo Texas 2025. It does not create any new laws, policies, or funding, nor does it affect any individuals or organizations beyond expressing recognition. The resolution highlights her pageant achievements, educational background, and community involvement in rodeo and agricultural organizations. It serves only as a formal expression of goodwill from the Texas House, with no substantive policy impact.
