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Bills We're Watching
HB 167 Tepper, Carl (R)
Relating to the implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and certain prohibited considerations in contracting by governmental entities.
Bill History: 11-12-24 H Filed
HB 205 Cortez, Philip (D)
Relating to the eligibility for grants for alternative fueling facilities.
Companions: HB 2290 Cortez, Philip (Refiled from 88R Session)
Bill History: 11-12-24 H Filed
HB 385 Lopez, Ray (D)
Relating to the collection and publication of affordable housing information by certain municipalities and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
Bill History: 11-12-24 H Filed
HB 436 Leo-Wilson, Terri (R)
Relating to the requirement by certain governmental entities for diversity, equity, and inclusion statements and training from employees, prospective employees, and contractors.
Bill History: 11-12-24 H Filed
HB 483 Bucy, John (D)
Relating to the use of state money for high-speed rail operated by a private entity and to the construction of certain high-speed rail.
Companions: SB 424 Eckhardt, Sarah (Identical) 2- 3-25 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Finance
Bill History: 11-12-24 H Filed
HB 542 Bucy, John (D)
Relating to the use of certain money transferred to and deposited in the state highway fund as required by the Texas Constitution.
Companions: HB 5215 Bucy, John(Refiled from 88R Session)
Bill History: 11-12-24 H Filed
HB 663 Harrison, Brian (R)
Relating to limitations on the applicability of certain statutes to high-speed rail.
Companions: HB 2931Harrison, Brian(Refiled from 88R Session)
Bill History: 11-12-24 H Filed
HB 689 Gervin-Hawkins, Barbara (D)
Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for certain offenses committed in a vehicle operated by a public transportation system.
Companions: HB 485 Gervin-Hawkins, Barbara (Refiled from 88R Session)
Bill History: 11-12-24 H Filed
HB 755 Spiller, David (R)
Relating to certain requirements applicable to certain public entities that engage in lobbying.
Companions: HB 170 Spiller, David (Refiled from 88R Session)
Bill History: 11-12-24 H Filed
HB 948 Harrison, Brian (R)
Relating to the required posting by governmental entities of employee contracts and compensation on entity Internet websites.
Companions: HB 3017 Harrison, Brian (Refiled from 88R Session)
Bill History: 11-12-24 H Filed
HB 1109 VanDeaver, Gary (R)
Relating to an exemption from certain motor fuel taxes for counties in this state.
SB 677 Hughes, Bryan(Identical) 2- 3-25 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Finance SB 935 Hall, Bob(Identical) 2-13-25 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Finance
Bill History: 11-12-24 H Filed
HB 1402 Harris, Cody (R)
Relating to a prohibition on the use of public money to pay for the alteration of a roadway related to high-speed rail construction.
Bill History: 11-19-24 H Filed
HB 1713 Plesa, Mihaela (D)
Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of criminal mischief involving impairment of electric vehicle supply equipment.
Bill History: 12-30-24 H Filed
HB 1951 Hefner, Cole (R)
Relating to certain agreements with collective bargaining organizations related to certain publicly funded public work contracts.
Companions: HB 2753 Smithee, John (Refiled from 88R Session) SB 936 Hancock, Kelly (Refiled from 88R Session) SB 925 Hancock, Kelly(Identical) 2-13-25 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce
Bill History: 01-17-25 H Filed
HB 2148 Gervin-Hawkins, Barbara (D)
Relating to the construction manager-at-risk and design-build methods of project delivery for a public work contract.
Bill History: 01-28-25 H Filed
HB 2418 Harris, Cody (R)
Relating to the waiver of certain examination requirements for certain applicants for an engineering license.
Bill History: 02-04-25 H Filed
HB 3019 Cain, Briscoe(R)
Relating to the authority of certain metropolitan rapid transit authorities and related entities to request and receive federal funds.
AI Summary: This bill aims to regulate the process by which certain metropolitan rapid transit authorities in Texas can obtain federal funding for light rail systems. Specifically, it adds Section 451.069 to the Transportation Code, which stipulates that only authorities confirmed before July 1, 1985, in municipalities with populations below 850,000, and the local governmental corporations associated with them can apply for federal funds.
Before proceeding with applications, these authorities must acquire approval from the governor, who will assess various factors. These factors include the municipality's efforts to address health and safety issues for the homeless, the enforcement of restrictions against public camping, and the competition for funding from other Texas entities to avoid placing the state at a disadvantage.
Additionally, to ensure proper enforcement of restrictions linked to public safety, the governor has the authority to request that the Attorney General provide guidance on whether municipalities are adhering to the established voter-approved measures.
The bill is scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2025.
Bill History: 02-19-25 H Filed
HJR 58 Bucy, John (D)
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the use of money in the state highway fund for transit-oriented projects.
Companions: HJR 204 Bucy, John (Refiled from 88R Session)
Bill History: 11-12-24 H Filed
HJR 63 Walle, Armando (D)
Proposing a constitutional amendment to permit additional uses of certain dedicated general revenue transferred each fiscal year to the state highway fund.
Companions: HJR 77 Walle, Armando (Refiled from 88R Session); SJR 37 Miles, Borris (Refiled from 88R Session)
Bill History: 11-12-24 H Filed
SB 159 Menendez, Jose (D)
Relating to an education and training program for certain public transportation vehicle operators on interacting with and supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Bill History: 02-03-25 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation
SB 424 Eckhardt, Sarah (D)
Relating to the use of state money for high-speed rail operated by a private entity and to the construction of certain high-speed rail.
Companions: HB 483 Meza, Terry(Refiled from 88R Session)
Bill History: 02-03-25 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Finance
SB 553 Flores, Pete (R)
Relating to the design-build method for certain government construction projects.
Bill History: 02-03-25 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce
SB 677 Hughes, Bryan(R)
Relating to an exemption from certain motor fuel taxes for counties in this state.
Companions: HB 1109 VanDeaver, Gary(Identical) 11-12-24 H Filed SB 935 Hall, Bob(Identical) 2-13-25 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Finance
Bill History: 02-03-25 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Finance
SB 871 Birdwell, Brian (R)
Relating to the authority of the legislature, governor, and certain political subdivisions with respect to disasters and emergencies.
Bill History: 02-13-25 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate State Affairs
SB 925 Hancock, Kelly (R)
Relating to certain agreements with collective bargaining organizations related to certain publicly funded public work contracts.
Companions: HB 2753 Smithee, John (Refiled from 88R Session) SB 936 Hancock, Kelly(Refiled from 88R Session) HB 1951 Hefner, Cole(Identical) 1-17-25 H Filed
Bill History: 02-13-25 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Business and Commerce
SB 935 Hall, Bob (R)
Relating to an exemption from certain motor fuel taxes for counties in this state.
Companions: HB 1109 VanDeaver, Gary (Identical) 11-12-24 H Filed SB 677 Hughes, Bryan (Identical) 12-19-24 S Filed
Bill History: 02-13-25 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Finance
SB 1301 Sparks, Kevin (F)(R)
Relating to the design-build method for certain government construction projects.
AI Summary: This bill aims to modernize the design-build method for government construction projects in Texas. Key revisions are made in Section 2269.352 of the Government Code, which now states that the design-build method is applicable to all governmental entities rather than just those with a population exceeding 100,000 or specific boards of trustees. This broader applicability will facilitate more entities in executing projects efficiently under the design-build model.
Another critical update is found in Section 2269.353(b), which specifies that contracts for these projects must be for a single integrated project. Notably, the description of what constitutes a single integrated project now includes water and wastewater infrastructure projects specifically detailing components such as treatment facilities, well fields, pump stations, water storage, and pipelines, thus providing a more comprehensive definition than the previous limitation to treatment plants only.
The Act is slated to take effect on September 1, 2025, indicating a planned implementation period for the revised regulations. Overall, these changes are designed to enhance the efficiency and scope of governmental construction projects within Texas, allowing for a wider array of entities and project types to engage in the design-build method.
Bill History: 02-14-25 S Filed
SB 1384 Eckhardt, Sarah (D)
Relating to the provision by a regional mobility authority of financial assistance for transportation projects of governmental entities located in the area of the authority.
AI Summary: This bill empowers regional mobility authorities in Texas to offer financial assistance for transportation projects undertaken by governmental entities within their jurisdictions. Section 370.174 of the Transportation Code is amended to allow authorities to assist in financing toll or toll-free projects, specifically by providing detailed financial aid as set out in the newly introduced Section 370.1745.
Financial assistance options available under this bill include extending credit through direct loans, offering credit enhancements, subsidizing interest rates, financing purchase agreements, and providing security for bonds. Such assistance is restricted to projects consistent with the transportation plan developed by the metropolitan planning organization. Importantly, funds borrowed by governmental entities must be expressly allocated for transportation project purposes, ensuring financial accountability.
Furthermore, the bill facilitates simplified bond issuance for entities receiving assistance, allowing them to issue revenue bonds devoid of typical legal constraints, while still abiding by specific provisions of the Government Code. The issuance of bonds is subject to scrutiny by the attorney general, ensuring compliance with legal standards and enhancing financial oversight.
Overall, this legislation aims to streamline the funding and construction of critical transportation infrastructure across Texas while providing a robust framework for financial management and oversight. The bill takes effect on September 1, 2025.
Bill History: 02-19-25 S Filed
SB 1420 Nichols, Robert (R)
Relating to the use by a county, municipality, or school district of public money for lobbying activities.
AI Summary: This legislation, aimed at regulating the use of public funds for lobbying, adds Section 556.0056 to the Government Code, imposing strict restrictions on counties, municipalities, and school districts. It prohibits the appropriation of public money or compensation aimed at influencing legislative outcomes, with clearly defined exceptions. These exceptions permit officers or employees to provide legislative information or advocate without requiring lobbyist registration under Chapter 305. Advocacy activities by elected officials and reimbursement for travel related to these activities are also permitted.
Notably, the bill restricts these governmental entities from establishing nonprofit organizations that engage in lobbying activities if such organizations hire registered lobbyists. This aims to prevent circumvention of the law through indirect lobbying. Furthermore, the bill empowers residents or taxpayers to seek injunctive relief against any actions deemed to violate these restrictions, alongside provisions for recovering legal fees if they prevail in such claims.
The statute is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and applies to expenditures or nonprofit formations occurring on or after that date, marking a significant legislative shift in how local governments can engage in legislative advocacy.
Bill History: 02-19-25 S Filed
SJR 33 Miles, Borris (D)
Proposing a constitutional amendment to permit additional uses of certain dedicated general revenue transferred each fiscal year to the state highway fund.
Companions: HJR 63 Walle, Armando (Identical), Bill History: 11-12-24 H Filed
Bill History: 02-07-25 S Introduced and referred to committee on Senate Transportation
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