Monitoring the Session
Days

December 13, 2024

59 filed

HB 1617 · 89RNo flags

Bill declares a federal exemption for Texas-made firearms

Died in committeeReviewed
Rep. Valoree Swanson (R-150)
Details · HB 1617

Stamped “Made in Texas”. The attorney general seeks a federal ruling backing the law.

Corrected Nov 2, 2026 We checked this summary against the bill text and fixed it.

ZOMBIE BILL Died 2 times: 88R HB 4452 by Rep. Hayes (Died in committee) and this bill (Died in committee). Checked against 88R only.PENDING FOREVER Heard by the House State Affairs committee on Apr 30, 2025 and left pending. Never voted out. The bill died.

Filed Dec 13, 2024

HB 1616 · 89RNo flags

bill letting campaign treasurers list a mailing address

Died in committeeInitial review
Rep. Ann Johnson (D-134)
Details · HB 1616

No more street address required on Ethics Commission filings.

ZOMBIE BILL Died 2 times: 88R HB 1441 (Died in committee) and this bill (Died in committee). Checked against 88R only.NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Dec 13, 2024 and referred to the House State Affairs committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Dec 13, 2024

HB 1614 · 89RNo flags

bill setting an income test for shelter vet care

Died in committeeInitial review
Rep. Ann Johnson (D-134)
Details · HB 1614

Replaces “indigent” with half area median income or the poverty level.

ZOMBIE BILL Died 2 times: 88R HB 3439 (Did not pass) and this bill (Died in committee). Checked against 88R only.NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Dec 13, 2024 and referred to the House Agriculture & Livestock committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Dec 13, 2024

HB 1613 · 89RSmells

Johnson Bill Bans Special Session Money, Skips All House Members

Died in committeeInitial review
Rep. Ann Johnson (D-134)
Details · HB 1613

The ban skips anyone whose term ends next January. That’s every House member and some senators!

The hole
ZOMBIE BILL Died 2 times: 88R HB 1519 by Rep. Ashby (Did not pass) and this bill (Died in committee). Checked against 88R only.NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Dec 13, 2024 and referred to the House State Affairs committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Dec 13, 2024

HB 1611 · 89RNo flags

bill adding juvenile justice staff to custodial officer retirement

Died in committeeInitial review
Rep. John Lujan (R-118)
Details · HB 1611

Same class as prison and parole staff.

ZOMBIE BILL Died 2 times: 88R HB 2887 by Rep. Ann Johnson (Died in committee) and this bill (Died in committee). Checked against 88R only.NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Dec 13, 2024 and referred to the House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Dec 13, 2024

HB 1609 · 89RSmells

VanDeaver Volunteer Responder Bill Covers Only Declared Emergencies

Did not passReviewed
Rep. Gary VanDeaver (R-1)
Details · HB 1609

Everyday fire call? Better hope a mayor or governor declared an emergency.

The hole
ZOMBIE BILL Died 2 times: 88R HB 425 (Died in committee) and this bill (Did not pass). Checked against 88R only.STALLED AFTER COMMITTEE Voted out of the House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development committee 10-0 on May 2, 2025. Placed on the General State Calendar on May 13, 2025. The bill died.

Filed Dec 13, 2024

SB 621 · 89RNo flags

bill banning public banks

Did not passInitial review
Sen. Kevin Sparks (R-31)
Details · SB 621

No city or county may set up, run or own a bank.

QUICK READ: 109 WORDS The bill as filed runs 109 words, counting the existing law it amends and the text it strikes. The median 89R bill as filed runs 441 words (derived, 8,702 graded bills, snapshot Oct 19, 2026).GOT HALFWAY Passed the Senate on Apr 1, 2025. Died in the House: voted out of the Pensions, Investments & Financial Services committee 6-2, no floor vote.

Filed Dec 13, 2024

SB 620 · 89RNo flags

Active efforts required in child welfare cases

Died in committeeReviewed
Sen. Kevin Sparks (R-31)
Details · SB 620

An active-efforts standard would guide family preservation and reunification, with court-approved exceptions.

Corrected Nov 1, 2026 We checked this summary against the bill text and fixed it.

DOORSTOP: 6,924 WORDS The bill as filed runs 6,924 words, counting the existing law it amends and the text it strikes. The median 89R bill as filed runs 441 words (derived, 8,702 graded bills, snapshot Oct 19, 2026).NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Dec 13, 2024 and referred to the Senate Health & Human Services committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Dec 13, 2024

SB 619 · 89RNo flags

Sparks Conscience Bill Lets Health Care Workers Decline Specific Services

Died in committeeInitial review
Sen. Kevin Sparks (R-31)
Details · SB 619

Emergencies and life-sustaining treatment excepted. Punished workers can sue for damages and attorney’s fees.

ZOMBIE BILL Died 2 times: 88R HB 319 by Rep. Oliverson (Died in committee) and this bill (Died in committee). Checked against 88R only.GOT HALFWAY Passed the Senate on Apr 30, 2025. Died in the House: never got out of the Public Health committee.

Filed Dec 13, 2024

SB 614 · 89RNo flags

bill widening Forensic Science Commission case referrals

VetoedInitial review
Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa (D-20)
Details · SB 614

Related cases can go to the office of capital and forensic writs.

CROSS-PARTY HANDOFF Lead author Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa (D) in the Senate. Lead sponsor Jeff Leach (R) in the House. Party as the Legislative Reference Library lists it for the 89th Legislature.QUICK READ: 116 WORDS The bill as filed runs 116 words, counting the existing law it amends and the text it strikes. The median 89R bill as filed runs 441 words (derived, 8,702 graded bills, snapshot Oct 19, 2026).

Filed Dec 13, 2024

SB 610 · 89RNo flags

Paxton Bill Gives Licensing Agency An Anti-Trafficking Unit

Became law, effective Sep 1, 2025Initial review
Sen. Angela Paxton (R-8)
Details · SB 610

It can flag businesses tied to trafficking and withhold victim records without asking the attorney general.

DO-OVER Reworked text of a bill filed before that died: 88R HB 3772 by Rep. Senfronia Thompson (Did not pass). Filed in 2 sessions, counting this one. Checked against 88R only.CROSS-PARTY HANDOFF Lead author Angela Paxton (R) in the Senate. Lead sponsor Senfronia Thompson (D) in the House. Party as the Legislative Reference Library lists it for the 89th Legislature.

Filed Dec 13, 2024

SB 608 · 89RNo flags

bill counting evidence kits police failed to pick up

Became law, effective Sep 1, 2025Initial review
Sen. Pete Flores (R-24)
Details · SB 608

The yearly report adds kits not collected on time.

CROSS-PARTY HANDOFF Lead author Pete Flores (R) in the Senate. Lead sponsor Donna Howard (D) in the House. Party as the Legislative Reference Library lists it for the 89th Legislature.

Filed Dec 13, 2024

SB 600 · 89RNo flags

bill adding protections in heirs’ property sales

Died in committeeInitial review
Sen. Royce West (D-23)
Details · SB 600

New steps when inherited family land gets split or sold. New notice forms too.

PENDING FOREVER Heard by the Senate Business & Commerce committee on Apr 3, 2025 and left pending. Never voted out. The bill died.

Filed Dec 13, 2024

SB 599 · 89RNo flags

State standards cap local rules for home child care

Became lawReviewed
Sen. Royce West (D-23)
Details · SB 599

Local governments could not impose stricter health and safety standards on covered child-care homes.

Corrected Nov 1, 2026 We checked this summary against the bill text and fixed it.

INSTANT LAW Took effect immediately, on May 15, 2025. 833 of the 1,185 graded 89R laws took effect Sep 1, 2025 (derived from the bill histories, snapshot Oct 19, 2026).

Filed Dec 13, 2024

SB 598 · 89RNo flags

school safety money goes from $10 to $100 per student

Died in committeeInitial review
Sen. Royce West (D-23)
Details · SB 598

Per-campus goes from $15,000 to $60,000!

QUICK READ: 136 WORDS The bill as filed runs 136 words, counting the existing law it amends and the text it strikes. The median 89R bill as filed runs 441 words (derived, 8,702 graded bills, snapshot Oct 19, 2026).NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Dec 13, 2024 and referred to the Senate Education K-16 committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Dec 13, 2024

SB 597 · 89RNo flags

bill raising the basic allotment to $7,564

Died in committeeInitial review
Sen. Royce West (D-23)
Details · SB 597

Up from $6,160 per student. Guaranteed yield ties to the same number.

ZOMBIE BILL Died 2 times: 88R SB 2267 (Died in committee) and this bill (Died in committee). Checked against 88R only.NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Dec 13, 2024 and referred to the Senate Education K-16 committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Dec 13, 2024

SB 596 · 89RNo flags

bill adding items to foster care reports

Did not passInitial review
Sen. Royce West (D-23)
Details · SB 596

More data in reports the department already publishes.

GOT HALFWAY Passed the Senate on Apr 16, 2025. Died in the House: voted out of the Human Services committee 8-0, no floor vote.

Filed Dec 13, 2024

SB 594 · 89RNo flags

bill barring paid help on veterans benefits claims

Died in committeeInitial review
Sen. Royce West (D-23)
Details · SB 594

Unless federal law allows it. No paid referrals, no guaranteed outcomes.

NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Dec 13, 2024 and referred to the Senate Veteran Affairs committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Dec 13, 2024

SB 591 · 89RNo flags

bill banning sneaker bots

Died in committeeInitial review
Sen. Royce West (D-23)
Details · SB 591

No automated bots buying clothing or shoes online. Password managers still fine.

NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Dec 13, 2024 and referred to the Senate Business & Commerce committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Dec 13, 2024

SB 589 · 89RNo flags

bill banning the box for public jobs

Died in committeeInitial review
Sen. Royce West (D-23)
Details · SB 589

No history questions until after a conditional job offer.

ZOMBIE BILL Died 2 times: 88R HB 1215 by Rep. Cook (Died in committee) and this bill (Died in committee). Checked against 88R only.NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Dec 13, 2024 and referred to the Senate Business & Commerce committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Dec 13, 2024

SB 588 · 89RNo flags

bill rewriting the joint conservator rule for kids needing care

Died in committeeInitial review
Sen. Royce West (D-23)
Details · SB 588

Covers children with severe emotional disturbance whose parents seek mental health care.

ZOMBIE BILL Died 2 times: 88R SB 2591 (Did not pass) and this bill (Died in committee). Checked against 88R only.NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Dec 13, 2024 and referred to the Senate Health & Human Services committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Dec 13, 2024

SB 587 · 89RNo flags

bill setting term limits on the UIL executive committee

Died in committeeInitial review
Sen. Royce West (D-23)
Details · SB 587

Staggered three-year terms, two terms max.

ZOMBIE BILL Died 2 times: 88R SB 1148 (Died in committee) and this bill (Died in committee). Checked against 88R only.NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Dec 13, 2024 and referred to the Senate Education K-16 committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Dec 13, 2024

SB 586 · 89RNo flags

bill creating the Historic Texas Cemeteries Designation Program

Did not passInitial review
Sen. Royce West (D-23)
Details · SB 586

Cemeteries at least 50 years old qualify. Up to $25 per application.

FEE INCLUDED The caption of the graded version (introduced) reads: “relating to establishing the Historic Texas Cemeteries Designation Program; authorizing a fee.”GOT HALFWAY Passed the Senate on Apr 22, 2025. Died in the House: voted out of the Culture, Recreation & Tourism committee 6-0, no floor vote.

Filed Dec 13, 2024

SB 585 · 89RNo flags

bill keeping youthful records off consumer reports

Died in committeeInitial review
Sen. Royce West (D-23)
Details · SB 585

Under 18 then, at least 21 now, sentence finished. Off the report.

NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Dec 13, 2024 and referred to the Senate Business & Commerce committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Dec 13, 2024

SB 584 · 89RNo flags

bill making consumer reporting agencies answer for bought data

Did not passInitial review
Sen. Royce West (D-23)
Details · SB 584

Information from third parties must follow the state’s consumer report rules.

QUICK READ: 141 WORDS The bill as filed runs 141 words, counting the existing law it amends and the text it strikes. The median 89R bill as filed runs 441 words (derived, 8,702 graded bills, snapshot Oct 19, 2026).GOT HALFWAY Passed the Senate on Apr 30, 2025. Died in the House: voted out of the Trade, Workforce & Economic Development committee 10-0, no floor vote.

Filed Dec 13, 2024

SB 580 · 89RNo flags

bill widens the DEI ban’s research exception

Died in committeeInitial review
Sen. Royce West (D-23)
Details · SB 580

Research and creative work fall outside the ban, federal grant money included.

NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Dec 13, 2024 and referred to the Senate Education K-16 committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Dec 13, 2024

SB 576 · 89RNo flags

bill expanding notice to relative caregivers

Died in committeeInitial review
Sen. Royce West (D-23)
Details · SB 576

More written notice when a child is placed with a relative or caregiver.

NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Dec 13, 2024 and referred to the Senate Health & Human Services committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Dec 13, 2024

Sources

Derived stock: 59 measures filed December 13, 2024 in 89R. 56 bills and joint resolutions, 3 other resolutions. Snapshot Nov 2, 2026 at 7:17 AM CST.

Counts come from the stored Texas Legislative Council bill records. Grades, headlines and charges follow the published record.

Headline, summary and grade are analysis of the bill text, not a finding about any person.

SourcesData