Texas Bills

introduced · Texas · House Jul 28, 2025

HB 215: Relating to the liability of a landowner for the withdrawal and beneficial use of groundwater.

HB 215 modifies Texas law to limit landowner liability for groundwater use. It specifically protects landowners (including lessees, heirs, and assigns) who pump 25,000+ gallons of groundwater daily for beneficial use, stating they cannot be sued for interference unless their pumping: (1) lowers water tables harming neighboring land, or (2) unreasonably harms watercourses/lakes. The bill applies only to lawsuits filed after its effective date. This change directly affects large-scale groundwater users, such as agricultural or industrial operations, by reducing legal risks for routine use.

Topics ✗ Environment

introduced · Texas · House Jul 28, 2025

HB 217: Relating to the liability of a groundwater conservation district for actions of the district restricting groundwater production from a well.

HB 217 creates legal immunity for groundwater conservation districts in Texas when they restrict well production. The bill states that districts cannot be held liable for damages resulting from actions like enforcing water rules, issuing permits, or limiting well output. This applies specifically to cases where the legal claim arises after the bill becomes effective. The law directly affects groundwater districts (which manage local water resources) and well owners who might otherwise sue over production restrictions.

introduced · Texas · House Jul 28, 2025

HB 216: Relating to the consideration by a groundwater conservation district of modeled available groundwater when issuing permits.

HB 216 would require Texas groundwater conservation districts to limit new permits so that no single applicant can produce and transfer out more than 5% of the district's modeled available groundwater across all permits issued to them. This directly affects groundwater conservation districts when reviewing permit applications and applicants seeking new groundwater rights for production and transfer. The key provision mandates districts to calculate this 5% cap based on the district's modeled available groundwater, as determined by the executive administrator. The bill applies only to permits issued on or after its effective date, which is 91 days after the legislative session ends.

Topics ✓ Environment

introduced · Texas · House Jul 25, 2025

HB 206: Relating to a preference in state purchasing for certain goods and services used in a disaster area.

HB 206 requires Texas state agencies purchasing goods or services for disaster areas to give preference to bidders with their principal business located in the specific political subdivision (e.g., city, county) where the disaster relief is needed. This applies to areas declared disaster zones by the governor under Texas law or the federal Stafford Act, starting on the declaration date and lasting one year. The law only affects new contracts where the request for proposals is issued after the bill’s effective date, and state agencies must adopt implementing rules. It directly impacts state procurement decisions and local businesses seeking disaster-related contracts in affected communities.

introduced · Texas · House Jul 25, 2025

HB 208: Relating to temporary vehicle tags and the offense of tampering with a governmental record.

HB 208, titled "Relating to temporary vehicle tags and the offense of tampering with a governmental record," is a newly filed bill (filed July 25, 2025) that names Section 3A of Chapter 125 as the "Terrin Solbrig Act." It establishes an effective date 91 days after the legislative session ends but does not detail specific policy changes to temporary vehicle tags or tampering offenses in the provided text. As a procedural bill naming a section, it does not describe concrete policy mechanisms or affected parties. The bill’s full content and impact require further review of its full text beyond the citation provided.

introduced · Texas · Senate Jul 25, 2025

SB 48: Relating to instruction for barbers and cosmetologists on identifying and assisting victims of domestic violence.

SB 48 requires Texas barber and cosmetology students to receive training on identifying and assisting domestic violence victims as part of their initial education. It also mandates that currently licensed professionals complete continuing education on the same topic. The bill directs the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation to adopt rules implementing these training requirements. These changes directly affect all barber and cosmetology students and licensed practitioners in Texas. The policy focuses on equipping these professionals with tools to recognize and support domestic violence victims during service.

introduced · Texas · House Jul 25, 2025

HB 207: Relating to third-party review of development documents and inspection of improvements required to be approved by a political subdivision.

HB 207 establishes a process for third-party review of development documents (like permits) and inspections of construction improvements when local government agencies miss deadlines. If a political subdivision (e.g., city or county) fails to approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove a development document by the 15th day, a qualified third party - such as a licensed engineer or an employee of another government agency approved for the role - may conduct the review. Similarly, if inspections aren’t completed within 15 days, a certified inspector (e.g., from the International Code Council) or an approved government employee may perform them. The bill clarifies existing law without changing it, ensuring political subdivisions aren’t liable for third-party actions under this process.

Topics ✓ Housing

introduced · Texas · Senate Jul 25, 2025

SJR 3: Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing an independent redistricting commission to establish districts for the election of the members of the United States House of Representatives elected from this state, the Texas Senate, and the Texas House of Representatives.

SJR 3 proposes a constitutional amendment to create an independent redistricting commission that would draw district boundaries for Texas's U.S. House, Texas Senate, and Texas House of Representatives elections. Currently, the Texas legislature draws these district lines, but this amendment would transfer that responsibility to the commission. The commission would have sole authority to establish and adjust district maps for these three elected bodies after each census, removing the legislature's direct role in redistricting. The amendment requires voter approval to become part of the Texas Constitution.

introduced · Texas · House Jul 25, 2025

HB 210: Relating to a study by the Texas Water Development Board on the costs of developing flood infrastructure in this state.

HB 210 requires the Texas Water Development Board to study the costs of developing flood infrastructure across Texas, focusing on areas where such projects are unusually expensive due to natural or logistical factors. The study must map "high-cost drainage zones," analyze cost drivers (like soil conditions, regulatory hurdles, and material expenses), and evaluate flood mitigation strategies such as expanding drainage systems or restoring natural features. It will create a visual cost map showing regional variations, project future expenses using updated weather data, and propose cost-effective solutions and funding options. The Board must submit a final report to the legislature by December 1, 2026, to inform future infrastructure planning.

introduced · Texas · House Jul 25, 2025

HR 35: Commemorating the 2026 Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 3719 Charity BBQ Cook-Off.

HR 35 is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) that commemorates the 2026 Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 3719 Charity BBQ Cook-Off in Crystal Beach. It recognizes the event as a sanctioned Texas state championship cook-off supporting local schools, fire departments, and charities. The resolution extends the Texas House's "sincere best wishes" for the event's success but creates no new policies, funding, or legal obligations. It directly affects no individuals or entities beyond symbolic recognition.

introduced · Texas · House Jul 25, 2025

HB 209: Relating to the use by a political subdivision of public funds for lobbying activities.

HB 209 prohibits political subdivisions (like cities, counties, or school districts) from using public funds to hire registered lobbyists or pay nonprofits that primarily represent such entities and employ lobbyists. It specifically bans spending public money for activities like lobbying state legislators or contracting with registered lobbyists, with key exceptions for sheriff associations, employees providing factual information to legislators, and certain nonprofit services like bill tracking. The bill allows taxpayers to sue to stop violations and recover legal fees if public funds are improperly used for lobbying. This directly affects how local governments and their affiliated organizations can advocate for policy changes using taxpayer money.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes

introduced · Texas · House Jul 24, 2025

HR 31: Honoring the Czech urban search-and-rescue team for its assistance in the response to the July 4, 2025, Hill Country flood.

This resolution honors the Czech urban search-and-rescue team for assisting during the July 4, 2025, Hill Country flood in Texas. It directly recognizes 16 Czech firefighters and four search dogs who supported Texas National Guard efforts after the flood claimed over 100 lives. The resolution expresses the Texas House’s gratitude through an official resolution and a copy for the team, acknowledging their work under the U.S.-Czech National Guard partnership program. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies.

Bill results