State Affairs

SB 8, the Texas Women's Privacy Act, requires certain facilities like restrooms, locker rooms, and shelters to be designated and used based on biological sex as defined by reproductive anatomy. It directly affects correctional facilities, family violence shelters, and institutions of higher education by mandating single-occupancy spaces for each biological sex and restricting access to multi-occupancy spaces based on sex. The bill defines "female" and "male" based on natural reproductive systems (e.g., egg production or sperm production) and authorizes civil penalties for violations, as well as private lawsuits to enforce compliance. The law became effective September 22, 2025, after being signed by the governor.

SB 12 requires law enforcement agencies to report election-related crimes to the Texas Attorney General's office and gives the Attorney General exclusive authority to prosecute these offenses. It mandates that local prosecutors assist the Attorney General when requested and specifies that the Attorney General must represent the state in all election crime cases. This bill directly affects law enforcement agencies (who must submit reports), local prosecutors (who may be directed to assist), and individuals who violate election laws. The law applies only to offenses committed after its effective date, which is 91 days after the legislative session ends.

This joint resolution proposes amending the Texas Constitution to clarify that the Attorney General has concurrent authority with county and district attorneys to prosecute criminal violations of election laws. If approved by voters (scheduled for May 2, 2026), it would establish shared jurisdiction for election-related criminal cases between the state Attorney General and local prosecutors. The bill failed to pass the legislature on August 26, 2025, and did not advance to voter approval. It does not create new criminal offenses but defines existing prosecutorial authority under election law.

HB 12 requires the Texas Attorney General to exclusively prosecute criminal offenses under state election laws, shifting authority from local prosecutors. It mandates that law enforcement agencies report election-related crimes to the Attorney General and obligates local prosecutors to provide requested investigation information. The bill applies only to offenses committed on or after its effective date, leaving pre-existing cases governed by prior law. This change centralizes election crime prosecution under the state Attorney General's office, eliminating local jurisdiction for these specific offenses.

HB 298 creates a rule for when Texas state legislators lose their seats due to missing sessions. If a senator or representative misses 14 unexcused floor sessions during a regular legislative session (or 3 during a special session) without majority approval from their chamber, their seat becomes vacant. This applies only to absences occurring after the bill’s effective date and does not affect existing terms. The bill directly affects legislators who fail to attend sessions without valid justification approved by their chamber’s majority.