Monitoring the Session
Days

February 24, 2025

141 filed

HB 3253 · 89RNo flags

Pierson Bill Drops 75 Percent County Match For Constable Pay

Did not passInitial review
Rep. Katrina Pierson (R-33)
Details · HB 3253

$75K, $100K or $150K per precinct. Pay floors: $65K for constables, $45K for traffic-stop deputies.

STALLED AFTER COMMITTEE Voted out of the House Intergovernmental Affairs committee 7-3 on May 6, 2025. Placed on the General State Calendar on May 13, 2025. The bill died.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

HB 3250 · 89RNo flags

Darby’s bill on appraiser trainee stipends

Became lawInitial review
Rep. Drew Darby (R-72)
Details · HB 3250

Stipends paid only with gifts and grants. Also, update your email.

NO AUTOGRAPH Became law without the governor's signature on Jun 20, 2025.CROSS-PARTY HANDOFF Lead author Drew Darby (R) in the House. Lead sponsor José Menéndez (D) in the Senate. Party as the Legislative Reference Library lists it for the 89th Legislature.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

HB 3248 · 89RNo flags

defense base development authority gets its own police force

Became law, effective Sep 1, 2025Initial review
Rep. Philip Cortez (D-117)
Details · HB 3248

Arrest powers on any property the authority owns or controls.

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

Filed Feb 24, 2025

HB 3247 · 89RSmells

Bryant Voter Registration Bill Moves Every Deadline To 23 Days

Died in committeeInitial review
Rep. John Bryant (D-114)
Details · HB 3247

Caption: electronic voter registration. Bill: the paper deadline moves from 30 days to 23 too.

Caption mismatch
ZOMBIE BILL Died 2 times: 88R HB 675 by Rep. Bucy (Died in committee) and this bill (Died in committee). Checked against 88R only.NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Feb 24, 2025 and referred to the House Elections committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

HB 3244 · 89RSmells

Patterson Wind Turbine Bill Lets Existing Turbines Keep Blinking

Died in committeeInitial review
Rep. Jared Patterson (R-106)
Details · HB 3244

Lighting deadlines exclude turbines operating by December 31, 2008. Other existing turbines wait for repowering or new contracts.

Corrected Oct 31, 2026 We checked this summary against the bill text and fixed it.

Delayed startThe hole
NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Feb 24, 2025 and referred to the House State Affairs committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

HB 3242 · 89RNo flags

Moody’s bill making small marijuana possession fine-only

Died in committeeInitial review
Rep. Joe Moody (D-78)
Details · HB 3242

An ounce or less becomes a Class C misdemeanor.

ZOMBIE BILL Died 2 times: 88R SB 967 by Sen. Johnson (Died in committee) and this bill (Died in committee). Checked against 88R only.NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Feb 24, 2025 and referred to the House Criminal Jurisprudence committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

HB 3240 · 89RSmells

Guerra Bill Gives Geothermal Industry Seats On A Study Council

Did not passNeeds review
Rep. R.D. "Bobby" Guerra (D-41)
Details · HB 3240

Up to 11 unpaid seats, three to five from industry. It studies, then ends in 2032.

Study, task force, commission, reportNew fee, fund, board or appointees
ACROSS THE AISLE Joint authors: 1 Republican, 4 Democrats. Party as the Legislative Reference Library lists it for the 89th Legislature.GOT HALFWAY Passed the House on Apr 25, 2025. Died in the Senate: received, never referred to a committee.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

HB 3237 · 89RNo flags

Turner’s bill renewing government electricity-cutting goals

Did not passInitial review
Rep. Chris Turner (D-101)
Details · HB 3237

Cut at least five percent a year, six years starting September 1, 2025.

ACROSS THE AISLE Joint authors: 2 Republicans, 3 Democrats. Party as the Legislative Reference Library lists it for the 89th Legislature.GOT HALFWAY Passed the House on May 2, 2025. Died in the Senate: received, never referred to a committee.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

HB 3235 · 89RNo flags

10 percent homestead cap goes from ceiling to formula

Died in committeeInitial review
Rep. Chris Turner (D-101)
Details · HB 3235

Appraisal offices lose the room to set a value below it.

ACROSS THE AISLE Joint authors: 1 Republican, 1 Democrat. Party as the Legislative Reference Library lists it for the 89th Legislature.PENDING FOREVER Heard by the House Ways & Means subcommittee on Property Tax Appraisals on Apr 3, 2025 and left pending. Never voted out. The bill died.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

HB 3234 · 89RNo flags

bill lowering a county population cutoff for building rules

Became law, effective Sep 1, 2025Initial review
Rep. Philip Cortez (D-117)
Details · HB 3234

3.3 million down to one million.

NO AUTOGRAPH Became law without the governor's signature on Jun 20, 2025.QUICK READ: 103 WORDS The bill as filed runs 103 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 Feb 24, 2025

HB 3233 · 89RNo flags

bill keeping pharmacy benefit manager patient data in the U.S.

Became law, effective Sep 1, 2025Initial review
Rep. Cody Harris (R-8)
Details · HB 3233

No storing or processing Texans’ patient data outside the United States.

QUICK READ: 92 WORDS The bill as filed runs 92 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 Feb 24, 2025

HB 3227 · 89RSmells

Monument bill also protects street, park and building names

Did not passNeeds review
Rep. Stan Gerdes (R-17)
Details · HB 3227

Renaming a decades-old city street or park takes a local election.

Dragnet
ZOMBIE BILL Died 2 times: 88R SB 1560 by Sen. Creighton (Died in committee) and this bill (Did not pass). Checked against 88R only.STALLED AFTER COMMITTEE Voted out of the House Culture, Recreation & Tourism committee 5-4 on May 8, 2025. Never placed on a calendar. The bill died.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

HB 3226 · 89RNo flags

bill on Montgomery County probate court jurisdiction

Died in committeeInitial review
Rep. Will Metcalf (R-16)
Details · HB 3226

One subsection repealed. That’s the whole bill we can see.

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).NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Feb 24, 2025 and referred to the House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

HB 3224 · 89RSmells

High School Pay Bill Also Rewrites The College NIL Law

Died in committeeInitial review
Rep. David Lowe (R-91)
Details · HB 3224

Section 2 lifts the ban on deals with prospective college athletes, from ninth grade up.

Caption mismatch
ZOMBIE BILL Died 2 times: 88R HB 1802 by Rep. Capriglione (Died in committee) and this bill (Died in committee). Checked against 88R only.NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Feb 24, 2025 and referred to the House Public Education committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

HB 3223 · 89RNo flags

deadline to sue over defective buildings drops to eight years

Died in committeeInitial review
Rep. Jeff Leach (R-67)
Details · HB 3223

Down from 10. Extra time after a written claim shrinks to one year.

ACROSS THE AISLE Joint authors: 3 Republicans, 2 Democrats. Party as the Legislative Reference Library lists it for the 89th Legislature.GOT HALFWAY Passed the House on May 6, 2025. Died in the Senate: never got out of the State Affairs committee.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

HB 3221 · 89RNo flags

bill changing who triggers extra TRS employer payments

Died in committeeInitial review
Rep. Carl H. Tepper (R-84)
Details · HB 3221

Today the extra payment covers only minimum salary schedule members.

ACROSS THE AISLE Joint authors: 2 Republicans, 1 Democrat. Party as the Legislative Reference Library lists it for the 89th Legislature.GOT HALFWAY Passed the House on May 13, 2025. Died in the Senate: never got out of the Finance committee.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

HB 3218 · 89RSmells

Dutton Bill Puts A Polling Place In One County’s Jail

Died in committeeInitial review
Rep. Harold V. Dutton Jr. (D-142)
Details · HB 3218

The floor is 3.3 million people. Those not finally convicted can register and vote same day.

Bracket bill
ZOMBIE BILL Died 2 times: 88R HB 944 (Died in committee) and this bill (Died in committee). Checked against 88R only.NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Feb 24, 2025 and referred to the House Elections committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

HB 3217 · 89RNo flags

bill making TCEQ answer every public comment on permits

Died in committeeInitial review
Rep. Harold V. Dutton Jr. (D-142)
Details · HB 3217

Every comment gets a response, relevant or not.

ZOMBIE BILL Died 2 times: 88R HB 935 (Died in committee) and this bill (Died in committee). Checked against 88R only.NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Feb 24, 2025 and referred to the House Environmental Regulation committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

HB 3216 · 89RNo flags

Dutton’s bill expanding Medicaid to working parents

Died in committeeInitial review
Rep. Harold V. Dutton Jr. (D-142)
Details · HB 3216

Any working parent who applies, if federal matching money is there.

ZOMBIE BILL Died 2 times: 88R HB 932 (Died in committee) and this bill (Died in committee). Checked against 88R only.NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Feb 24, 2025 and referred to the House Appropriations committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

HB 3212 · 89RNo flags

movers bring part of their old homestead cap along

Died in committeeInitial review
Rep. Jay Dean (R-7)
Details · HB 3212

Up to $500,000 off taxable value, first year only, if voters approve.

NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Feb 24, 2025 and referred to the House Ways & Means subcommittee on Property Tax Appraisals. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

HB 3211 · 89RNo flags

bill making vision plans post an online optometrist application

Became lawInitial review
Rep. Jay Dean (R-7)
Details · HB 3211

Optometrists get an online way in, and the application can ask less.

NO AUTOGRAPH Became law without the governor's signature on Jun 20, 2025.ACROSS THE AISLE Joint authors: 4 Republicans, 1 Democrat. Party as the Legislative Reference Library lists it for the 89th Legislature.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

HB 8 · 89RNo flags

bill cuts school district max compressed tax rate by $0.0331

Did not passInitial review
Rep. Morgan Meyer (R-108)
Details · HB 8

Every district, 2025-2026 school year. Floor: 90 percent of another district’s rate.

ZOMBIE BILL Died 2 times: 88R SB 4 by Sen. Bettencourt (Died in committee) and this bill (Did not pass). Checked against 88R only.STALLED AFTER COMMITTEE Voted out of the House Ways & Means committee 12-0 on Mar 10, 2025. Never placed on a calendar. The bill died.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

HJR 154 · 89RNot graded

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the governing body of a political subdivision to adopt an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion, expressed as a dollar amount, of the market value of an individual's residence homestead and providing for the adjustment of the exemption amount in subsequent years to reflect inflation.

Died in committee
Rep. Chris Turner (D-101)
Details · HJR 154

Not graded. The reader grades bills, not resolutions.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

HJR 153 · 89RNot graded

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for a reduction of the appraised value of a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purposes for the first tax year in which the owner qualifies the property for a residence homestead exemption based on the amount by which the limitation on increases in the appraised value of a residence homestead reduced the appraised value of the owner's former residence homestead for the last tax year in which the owner qualified the former residence homestead for a residence homestead exemption.

Died in committee
Rep. Jay Dean (R-7)
Details · HJR 153

Not graded. The reader grades bills, not resolutions.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

SB 1606 · 89RSmells

Hinojosa Drinking Water Bill Covers One Corner Of The State

Died in committeeInitial review
Sen. Adam Hinojosa (R-27)
Details · SB 1606

Raw-water sellers qualify only in a county bordering both the Gulf of Mexico and Mexico.

Bracket bill
QUICK READ: 144 WORDS The bill as filed runs 144 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 Feb 24, 2025 and referred to the Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

SB 1603 · 89RNo flags

no sales tax on guns, ammo and gun safes

Died in committeeInitial review
Sen. Adam Hinojosa (R-27)
Details · SB 1603

Trigger locks and accessories too.

ZOMBIE BILL Died 2 times: 88R HB 3580 by Rep. Bumgarner (Died in committee) and this bill (Died in committee). Checked against 88R only.NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Feb 24, 2025 and referred to the Senate Finance committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

SB 1602 · 89RSmells

Hagenbuch School Trespass Bill Reaches Sidewalks 500 Feet Out

Did not passInitial review
Sen. Brent Hagenbuch (R-30)
Details · SB 1602

The author’s statement says 250 feet. The text says 500, streets and parks included.

Already a crimeDragnet
ZOMBIE BILL Died 2 times: 88R HB 2962 by Rep. Thimesch (Died in committee) and this bill (Did not pass). Checked against 88R only.STALLED AFTER COMMITTEE Voted out of the Senate Criminal Justice committee 7-0 on Apr 29, 2025. Never placed on a calendar. The bill died.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

SB 1596 · 89RNo flags

Short-barrel firearms leave the state’s prohibited weapons list

Became law, effective Sep 1, 2025Reviewed
Sen. Brent Hagenbuch (R-30)
Details · SB 1596

The state definition is repealed. Earlier offenses remain under the former law.

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

BACK FROM THE DEAD Same text as a bill filed before that died: 88R HB 2705 by Rep. Hayes (Did not pass). Filed in 2 sessions, counting this one. Checked against 88R only.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

SB 1595 · 89RSmells

Hancock Ownership Bill Sweeps In Individual Licensed Providers

Died in committeeInitial review
Sen. Kelly Hancock (R-9)
Details · SB 1595

Licensed individuals file annually unless a parent files for them. Penalties reach $500,000.

Corrected Oct 31, 2026 We checked this summary against the bill text and fixed it.

DragnetNew fee, fund, board or appointees
FEE INCLUDED The caption of the graded version (introduced) reads: “relating to required reporting of information on the ownership and control of certain health care entities; providing a civil penalty; authorizing a fee.”NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Feb 24, 2025 and referred to the Senate Health & Human Services committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

SB 1592 · 89RNo flags

booking platforms collect hotel taxes on rooms they sell

Died in committeeInitial review
Sen. César Blanco (D-29)
Details · SB 1592

Money goes to the comptroller, local share passed on.

ZOMBIE BILL Died 2 times: 88R HB 5115 by Rep. Thierry (Died in committee) and this bill (Died in committee). Checked against 88R only.GOT HALFWAY Passed the Senate on Apr 10, 2025. Died in the House: never got out of the Ways & Means committee.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

SB 1585 · 89RNo flags

Hughes Bill Bars Foreign Adversary Firms From Government Tech Contracts

Did not passInitial review
Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-1)
Details · SB 1585

A false vendor certification costs at least 2x the contract. Plus a state jail felony!

CREATES AN OFFENSE The caption of the graded version (House committee report) reads: “relating to a prohibition on governmental contracts with companies of foreign adversaries for certain information and communications technology; authorizing a civil penalty; creating a criminal offense.”GOT HALFWAY Passed the Senate on May 5, 2025. Died in the House: voted out of the Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs committee 6-0, no floor vote.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

SB 1584 · 89RNo flags

any qualified voter could vote early by mail

Died in committeeInitial review
Sen. Sarah Eckhardt (D-14)
Details · SB 1584

Age, disability and absence limits all go away.

ZOMBIE BILL Died 2 times: 88R HB 241 by Rep. Bucy (Died in committee) and this bill (Died in committee). Checked against 88R only.NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Feb 24, 2025 and referred to the Senate State Affairs committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

SB 1582 · 89RNo flags

bill repeals Section 48.1523 of the Human Resources Code

Died in committeeInitial review
Sen. César Blanco (D-29)
Details · SB 1582

One section, gone. That’s the bill.

QUICK READ: 59 WORDS The bill as filed runs 59 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 Feb 24, 2025 and referred to the Senate Health & Human Services committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

SB 1580 · 89RNo flags

local mental health authority boards must include a veteran

Became law, effective Sep 1, 2025Initial review
Sen. César Blanco (D-29)
Details · SB 1580

A majority of the board picks the veteran.

BUZZER BEATER Final vote May 30, 2025: the Senate concurred in the House amendments. 3 days before the session ended Jun 2, 2025.CROSS-PARTY HANDOFF Lead author César Blanco (D) in the Senate. Lead sponsor Gary VanDeaver (R) in the House. Party as the Legislative Reference Library lists it for the 89th Legislature.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

SB 1574 · 89RNo flags

centers of excellence program for judges who do strong work

Became law, effective Sep 1, 2025Initial review
Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D-21)
Details · SB 1574

Every level, appellate down to municipal courts, can apply.

BACK FROM THE DEAD Same text as a bill filed before that died: 88R SB 1953 (Died in committee). Filed in 2 sessions, counting this one. Checked against 88R only.CROSS-PARTY HANDOFF Lead author Judith Zaffirini (D) in the Senate. Lead sponsor Jeff Leach (R) in the House. Party as the Legislative Reference Library lists it for the 89th Legislature.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

SB 1573 · 89RSmells

Police Can’t Tell Prosecutors About Misconduct Until It’s Finally Sustained

Died in committeeNeeds review
Sen. Brian Birdwell (R-22)
Details · SB 1573

Caption: “unsubstantiated.” Bill: even findings under appeal. Flagged officers can sue in district court.

Caption mismatch
ZOMBIE BILL Died 2 times: 88R HB 799 by Rep. Cody Harris (Died in committee) and this bill (Died in committee). Checked against 88R only.PENDING FOREVER Heard by the Senate Criminal Justice committee on Apr 29, 2025 and left pending. Never voted out. The bill died.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

SB 1572 · 89RSmells

Birdwell Steel Bill Lets Rigs Run 90,000 Pounds For $1,200

Died in committeeInitial review
Sen. Brian Birdwell (R-22)
Details · SB 1572

Steel joins timber and farm loads in the 12 percent overweight defense!

New fee, fund, board or appointeesCarve-out
FEE INCLUDED The caption of the graded version (introduced) reads: “relating to the operation of vehicles transporting steel; authorizing a fee.”NEVER GOT A HEARING Filed Feb 24, 2025 and referred to the Senate Transportation committee. No public hearing. The bill died.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

SB 1568 · 89RNo flags

Animal Friendly plates, plus more plates for animal welfare

Became law, effective Sep 1, 2025Initial review
Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D-21)
Details · SB 1568

The Texas Humane Legislation Network weighs in on plate design.

CROSS-PARTY HANDOFF Lead author Judith Zaffirini (D) in the Senate. Lead sponsor Pat Curry (R) in the House. Party as the Legislative Reference Library lists it for the 89th Legislature.QUICK READ: 102 WORDS The bill as filed runs 102 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 Feb 24, 2025

SB 1566 · 89RNo flags

utilities can hook up land released from a city’s ETJ

Became lawInitial review
Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R-7)
Details · SB 1566

No municipal plat certificate needed, with a certificate of convenience and necessity.

BUZZER BEATER Final vote May 31, 2025: both chambers adopted the conference committee report. 2 days before the session ended Jun 2, 2025.INSTANT LAW Took effect immediately, on Jun 20, 2025. 833 of the 1,185 graded 89R laws took effect Sep 1, 2025 (derived from the bill histories, snapshot Oct 19, 2026).

Filed Feb 24, 2025

SB 1565 · 89RSmells

Creighton DEI Bill Reaches Policies That Merely Reference Race

Died in committeeReviewed
Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-4)
Details · SB 1565

The definition includes policies, procedures and training that mention listed traits, unless required by law.

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

Dragnet
PENDING FOREVER Heard by the Senate Education K-16 committee on Feb 27, 2025 and left pending. Never voted out. The bill died.

Filed Feb 24, 2025

SB 12 · 89RSmells

Creighton Parental Rights Bill Adds A School Land Report

Became law, effective Sep 1, 2025Reviewed
Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-4)
Details · SB 12

The caption skips it, and no consequence is attached. The DEI ban reaches programs that “reference race.”

Caption mismatchDragnet
BUZZER BEATER Final vote May 31, 2025: both chambers adopted the conference committee report. 2 days before the session ended Jun 2, 2025.DOORSTOP: 6,237 WORDS The bill as filed runs 6,237 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 Feb 24, 2025

Sources

Derived stock: 141 measures filed February 24, 2025 in 89R. 98 bills and joint resolutions, 43 other resolutions. Snapshot Nov 1, 2026 at 6:27 PM 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