This bill exempts certain small dams and reservoirs from needing a permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). It applies specifically to dams operated by "qualified local sponsors" (local districts with USDA watershed agreements) for erosion, floodwater, and sediment control, with a maximum storage capacity of 200 acre-feet. The exemption allows these sponsors to construct, maintain, or divert water for repairs without a TCEQ permit, as long as the project continues serving its intended purpose. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality must adopt implementing rules by April 1, 2026.
HB 83 repeals additional property taxes that landowners previously faced when changing the use of certain land enrolled in Texas' open-space and timber land tax programs. The bill removes penalties for shifting land from agricultural or conservation use to other purposes under these special tax programs. Landowners participating in these programs will no longer owe extra taxes if they change how they use their property. This simplifies tax compliance for qualifying landowners by eliminating the penalty trigger. The bill directly affects landowners enrolled in Texas' open-space and timber land tax programs.
HB 76 prohibits local government agencies in Texas from considering non-relevant factors when selecting contractors for goods or services. Specifically, it bans agencies from using criteria unrelated to cost, quality, reliability, or legal compliance - such as environmental, social, or governance preferences - during competitive procurement processes. The bill requires agencies to publicly list all written selection criteria in bid documents and solicitation materials. If violations occur, the Attorney General can order removal of prohibited criteria, termination of contracts, or void contracts that aren’t executed within 10 days of notice. This directly affects all local governmental agencies that use competitive contracting processes for purchasing goods or services.
This bill proposes an exemption from Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) permitting requirements for specific dams and reservoirs. It directly affects qualified local sponsors - such as soil conservation districts or flood control authorities with USDA agreements under the Watershed Protection Act - that operate dams for erosion, floodwater, and sediment control. The exemption allows these entities to construct, maintain, or divert water from dams/reservoirs with normal storage under 200 acre-feet without a TCEQ permit, including for repair and maintenance. The exemption remains in effect even if their USDA agreement ends, as long as the dam continues serving its original purpose.
HB 74 would prohibit Texas local governments (including cities, counties, school districts, and special districts) from using public funds - such as taxes, grants, or donations - to plan, create, or operate most environmental projects. Exceptions include projects required by law, flood control, renewable energy infrastructure for their own facilities, waste management, and energy efficiency improvements at public buildings. The bill defines "environmental project" broadly as efforts to reduce emissions, pollutants, or raise public awareness, but explicitly excludes initiatives like electric vehicle charging stations or vehicle emission reduction programs. This legislation, filed in 2025, would take effect 91 days after the legislative session ends.
This Texas concurrent resolution (HCR 17) urges the federal government to support the Eastern Mediterranean gas pipeline project, which would connect Israeli natural gas fields to southern Europe via Cyprus and Greece. It specifically requests the U.S. president, Congress, and Texas lawmakers to advocate for the pipeline's construction, noting it was previously supported by both Democratic and Republican administrations. The resolution references the Biden administration's 2022 withdrawal of support due to environmental concerns, while emphasizing natural gas as a "low-emissions fuel" and Israel's offshore reserves. As a procedural resolution - not a binding law - it has no direct effect on policy but serves as a formal request to federal officials.
This Texas House resolution (HR 147) urges the federal government to support the Eastern Mediterranean gas pipeline project, which would connect Israel's offshore natural gas reserves to southern Europe via Cyprus and Greece. It references past bipartisan backing (including from the Biden and Trump administrations) and notes the U.S. withdrew support in 2022 over environmental concerns. The resolution is symbolic - it has no legal force - and requests federal action to restart the $6 billion project, which Texas lawmakers argue would benefit regional energy security and reduce reliance on Russian gas.
