HB 197 limits when courts can consider evidence of an employee's THC use in civil negligence lawsuits against employers. It prohibits admitting evidence of medical low-THC cannabis use (per Texas law) unless the employer knew about the use, knew the employee was intoxicated before the incident, and failed to intervene. For non-medical THC use, a positive test alone cannot be used as evidence unless the employer also proves the employee was intoxicated at the time of the incident. The law applies only to cases filed after its effective date (91 days post-legislative session).
HB 198 directs Texas' Department of State Health Services to study scientific methods for testing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) intoxication, similar to blood alcohol content standards. The study must evaluate existing testing methods, develop a scientifically valid intoxication threshold for legal use, and create legislative recommendations. It specifically aims to support prosecutions under Texas Penal Code Chapter 49 (DUI offenses), civil liability cases, and workplace safety regulations. The department must submit a final report with recommendations by October 1, 2026, to state leadership. This bill creates a study process but does not enact new laws or directly affect residents.
HB 192 requires toll project entities in Texas to suspend toll collection for any toll road located within an area under an active evacuation order issued under Texas Government Code Section 418.108. This applies during the entire duration of the evacuation order, directly affecting toll road operators and drivers traveling through designated evacuation zones. The bill creates a clear policy change by prohibiting toll collection on affected toll projects while evacuation orders are in effect, ensuring no fees are charged during mandatory evacuations. The law takes effect 91 days after the legislative session ends.
HB 196 creates a Texas Redistricting Commission to manage the state's redistricting process following each census. It establishes a formal application process where the state auditor opens applications to all registered voters each census year, with a three-member review panel (representing majority party, minority party, and independent viewpoints) screening applicants. The bill also prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for attending commission meetings and requires commissioners courts to adjust precinct boundaries by October 1 each redistricting year.
HB 191 requires owners or operators of commercial campgrounds near flood-prone water bodies to provide written flood risk notices to campers (or parents/guardians for minors) before access and obtain signed acknowledgments. This applies specifically to campgrounds designed for transient guest use, such as those with cabins, RV sites, or tent areas. Failure to comply results in a $1,000 civil penalty per violation, with each additional day of noncompliance counting as a new violation. The bill establishes these requirements through new provisions in Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 762, effective 91 days after the legislative session ends.
HB 193 prohibits taxing units (like cities, counties, or school districts) from using increases in maintenance and operations tax revenue - generated specifically from tax rate increases approved by voters in elections - for repaying debt. The bill amends the Texas Tax Code to state that such election-approved revenue cannot be diverted to pay off bonds or other debt obligations. An exception allows school districts to use tax increment funds from reinvestment zones (under Chapter 311) for debt repayment, as specified in their agreements with local governments. This law takes effect January 1, 2026, and applies only to tax years beginning after that date.
This is a commemorative resolution (not a substantive bill) from the Texas House of Representatives. It formally commemorates the premiere of Season 14 of the animated series *King of the Hill* on August 4, 2025, and extends "sincere best wishes" to the show's creators and cast. The resolution has no legal effect or policy impact - it is purely symbolic, expressing legislative support for the show's return. It directly affects no individuals or entities beyond acknowledging the cultural event.
This is a ceremonial resolution (HR 34) commemorating the 100th anniversary of Woodlawn Lake Park Swimming Pool in San Antonio, scheduled for a July 25, 2025, celebration. It honors the pool's history since its 1925 opening, noting its role as a community gathering place and recent $3.25 million upgrade funding. The resolution formally recognizes the milestone and directs a copy to the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department. As a commemorative measure with no policy changes, it does not create new obligations or affect any specific group.
HB 194 prohibits registered lobbyists in Texas from receiving state funds through contracts or as employee compensation. It directly affects individuals required to register as lobbyists under Chapter 305 of the Government Code. The bill adds Section 305.0305 to the Government Code, banning such payments for funds received on or after the bill's effective date (91 days after the legislative session ends). Funds received before the effective date are governed by prior law. This is a clear policy change limiting financial interactions between state government and registered lobbyists.
HB 201 requires sellers at gun shows in Texas to conduct federal background checks (via the National Instant Criminal Background Check System) before selling firearms and to maintain sales records. It directly affects gun show sellers and promoters, who must ensure background checks are completed for all sales (except to peace officers or licensed handgun carriers) and provide written notice to local law enforcement 30 days before the event. The bill adds criminal penalties for non-compliance, making violations Class A misdemeanors. These changes aim to align gun show sales with federal background check requirements for firearm transactions.
This resolution honors Fundación 911's search and rescue team from Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico, for assisting during the July 4, 2025, Hill Country flood in Texas. The team, consisting of 13 firefighters and K-9 handlers, provided critical support including water searches, debris removal, and cadaver detection across over 100 river miles. The resolution formally recognizes their service, which helped local responders and supported grieving families after the flood claimed over 100 lives. It directs the Texas House to present an official copy of the resolution to the team as a gesture of appreciation.
HB 199 allows Texas utilities (including transmission companies, municipal utilities, and electric cooperatives) to build infrastructure connecting the ERCOT power grid to outside power systems, enabling them to purchase wholesale electricity from other regions. The law creates a process requiring the Public Utility Commission to approve interconnection applications and mandates the Commission to identify potential connection points by September 1, 2027. It applies to both synchronous (direct) and non-synchronous (indirect) grid connections, with federal approval requirements for certain interconnections. The bill does not change electricity rates, generation policies, or existing grid operations - it only establishes a legal framework for future interconnection.
