Texas Bills

HB 200 creates a voluntary system for Texas municipalities and counties to operate emergency warning systems. It allows residents to opt-in to receive emergency alerts by consenting during driver's license applications, authorizing the state to share their contact information (phone, email, address) with local governments. Residents can later opt-out by submitting a written request or text message. The bill requires local governments to contract with the state department for this service and restricts contact information use solely to emergency alerts, prohibiting other purposes.

HB 181 repeals the Texas Quantum Initiative, a specific program under Texas Government Code, effective September 1, 2025. It redirects all funds previously allocated to this initiative to the Texas Education Agency for the 2025-2027 state budget cycle. The redirected funds will be used to lower the state's "compression percentage" - a funding formula that reduces school district allocations - to its minimum level under Education Code Section 48.255. This bill directly affects public school funding by altering how state education resources are distributed to districts.

HB 178 repeals the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act, which was enacted in 2023. This law allowed school districts to apply specific limitations on taxable property values for school funding calculations. The bill removes these limitations by repealing the relevant section of the Government Code (Subchapter T, Chapter 403) that was added by the repealed act. As a result, school districts in Texas will no longer have access to these property value restrictions when determining their taxable valuation for state funding purposes.

SB 44 creates a new elected office for the district attorney of the 273rd Judicial District, representing Sabine County in district courts. It amends the Government Code to clarify that voters in Sabine and San Augustine counties elect the 1st Judicial District's district attorney, while Sabine County residents will elect a separate district attorney for the 273rd Judicial District starting in 2028. The new office takes effect January 1, 2029, for the 2028 elections. This procedural bill directly affects Sabine County residents by establishing a dedicated local prosecutor position.

HB 182 creates the Texas Flash Flood Alley Interoperability Council to improve emergency communication systems in the Balcones Fault Zone, a region prone to flash flooding. The council will develop strategic plans for compatible communication equipment among first responders (police, firefighters, EMTs), coordinate emergency management for flood events, and administer grants to help local governments (cities, counties, special districts) purchase interoperable equipment. The bill specifically targets communities within the Balcones Fault Zone to ensure first responders can communicate effectively during emergencies. It establishes a six-member council appointed by state leadership and requires a strategic plan for emergency communication infrastructure. The grant program provides direct funding assistance for local governments to upgrade their communication systems to work together seamlessly.

This is a commemorative resolution (HCR 5) honoring Richard Augustus Hewitt of San Antonio, who passed away on October 30, 2024. The resolution recognizes his 20-year U.S. Air Force service, career with Burroughs Corporation, 57-year involvement with the Masonic lodge, and dedication to family and community. It formally pays tribute to his life and extends sympathy to his family. As a procedural resolution, it has no policy impact and serves solely as a gesture of remembrance by the Texas Legislature.

HB 179 repeals the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and its associated fund, effective December 1, 2025, contingent on voter approval of a related constitutional amendment. The bill directs the comptroller to transfer all funds previously allocated to the institute to the Texas Education Agency to reduce the state's property tax compression percentage for school districts. This transfer would use the funds for property tax relief, specifically targeting the reduction of the compression percentage under Education Code Section 48.255. The bill has no effect if voters reject the constitutional amendment.

HR 28 is a resolution by the Texas House of Representatives to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Glen Cove Baptist Church, founded in 1900. The resolution recognizes the church’s history, including its founding with 24 members, relocation to its current site in 1948, community programs, and its role in establishing a local volunteer fire department in 2008. It does not create new laws or policies - it is purely symbolic, expressing the House’s recognition and including a copy of the resolution for the church. This is a procedural commemorative resolution with no direct policy impact.

HB 180 repeals the creation of the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, established under Chapter 483 of the Government Code. The bill directs the comptroller to transfer all funds previously allocated to this office to the Texas Education Agency. This transfer aims to reduce the state's compression percentage for education funding under Section 48.255 of the Education Code to the lowest possible rate. The legislation directly affects the eliminated office and the Texas Education Agency, with concrete policy changes focused on reallocating resources and adjusting education funding mechanics.

HB 177 creates the Texas Commission on Assessment and Accountability to develop recommendations for improving public school assessment and accountability systems in Texas. The commission will consist of 19 members: four appointed by the governor (including a classroom teacher with specific experience), seven by the lieutenant governor, seven by the House speaker, and one from the State Board of Education. Members must reflect Texas's ethnic and geographic diversity, and they cannot be employees or contractors of education agencies. The commission will operate without member compensation but will receive expense reimbursement for duties related to reviewing school accountability practices.

HJR 25 proposes a constitutional amendment to repeal Texas' Dementia Prevention and Research Institute and its dedicated fund, redirecting $3 billion to the Texas Education Agency for property tax relief. If approved by voters, this would eliminate state funding for dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's research while using those funds to reduce property tax rates. The amendment requires voter approval in the November 2025 election.

This is a commemorative resolution, not a substantive bill. It formally congratulates Joseph C. Longway on retiring as Northwest Region chief of the Texas Department of Public Safety after 36 years of service. The resolution expresses the Texas House of Representatives' appreciation for his career and provides him with a copy of the resolution as a gesture of recognition. It has no policy impact or effect on any laws or regulations.