Supplement to Legislative Summary – Expanded Bill Descriptions
This document serves as a companion to Roach & Associates PLLC’s 89th Regular Session Legislative Summary, offering expanded explanations of the major bills that passed during the 2025 session. While the primary summary provides a concise, one-line overview of each tracked bill, this supplement includes detailed, plain-language summaries for select legislation that has the most significant implications for our clients—particularly special purpose districts, local governments, and infrastructure partners.
Click any bill number (e.g., SB 863) to view the full bill text, legislative history, and current status on the Texas Legislature Online website.
SB 412
SB 412 narrows the affirmative defenses available to librarians in cases involving allegedly obscene materials, eliminating longstanding protections that shielded library staff from personal liability. Under this bill, librarians may now face increased legal exposure for maintaining or displaying materials that could be subjectively interpreted as offensive. This has raised serious concerns among library districts and free speech advocates who argue it threatens intellectual freedom and the integrity of public collections. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
SB 13
SB 13 imposes broad, state-mandated oversight on public school libraries by establishing new parental review mechanisms and content restrictions. The bill requires districts to create parental advisory councils and mandates that materials undergo approval processes that critics describe as vague and burdensome. Opponents argue the bill undermines professional discretion and creates a climate of censorship that could limit access to diverse viewpoints. While framed as a parental rights measure, it has drawn sharp criticism from educators and librarians statewide. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
SB 34
SB 34 significantly enhances the state’s wildfire preparedness strategy by requiring the creation of a statewide inventory of firefighting equipment and improving interagency coordination. The bill increases funding and support for volunteer fire departments, many of which serve as primary responders in rural and high-risk areas. It also mandates improvements to emergency communication systems and response protocols. The legislation is widely supported by rural communities and emergency management leaders as a proactive measure in the face of growing wildfire threats. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
SB 868
SB 868 removes the previous $30 million annual cap on the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program and requires that at least 10% of funds be directed to departments in wildfire-prone areas. By expanding funding access, the bill provides critical resources to communities most vulnerable to wildfire disasters. It complements other preparedness legislation and represents a substantial investment in local emergency infrastructure. Fire chiefs and rural leaders strongly backed this reform. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
HB 4264
HB 4264 establishes a new $6,500 grant for peace officers who earn a Master Proficiency Certificate. This financial incentive aims to promote continued training, improve professional standards, and boost officer retention statewide. The grant is part of a broader push to support law enforcement personnel through skill-based compensation enhancements. Law enforcement associations have praised the bill as a positive step toward rewarding expertise and long-term service. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
HB 2713
HB 2713 lowers the population threshold from 950,000 to 50,000 for cities to call elections on whether to repeal civil service protections for police and firefighters. Proponents argue this restores local democratic control and allows smaller cities to reassess employment policies. However, critics, including public safety unions, warn it could expose officers to political retaliation and reduce job stability. The bill has been contentious, drawing split support among municipalities and law enforcement organizations. This law takes effect immediately.
HB 21
HB 21 reforms Housing Finance Corporations (HFCs) by limiting their operations to within the boundaries of the founding city or county unless explicit permission is granted. It clarifies that HFCs must comply with Texas open meetings and public information laws, improving public transparency. The bill also imposes stricter rules on bond issuance and restricts fund usage to ensure they benefit low- and moderate-income housing developments. Additional requirements link tax and fee exemptions to meaningful tenant protections and affordability standards, aiming to restore accountability and focus to public housing finance entities. This law takes effect immediately.
SB 863
SB 863 requires that water withdrawn from the Edwards Aquifer be used only within the Edwards Aquifer Authority’s jurisdiction or within the certified area of a retail public utility with a valid Certificate of Convenience and Necessity. The bill prevents the unauthorized diversion of aquifer water to unregulated or external regions. This protection ensures water remains available to those within the permitted service zones and supports long-term regional conservation goals. The measure received strong support from environmental organizations and local groundwater authorities. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
HB 517
HB 517 prohibits homeowners associations from fining property owners for brown or dead vegetation during or following a declared drought. The bill reflects growing concern about penalizing water conservation efforts amid ongoing water shortages. By protecting homeowners from such penalties, the bill reinforces the state’s broader conservation policies. It is seen as a property rights victory with environmental alignment. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
HB 2464
HB 2464 legalizes the operation of “no-impact” home-based businesses and prevents municipalities from enforcing excessive regulations against them. It defines qualifying businesses as those that do not generate visible external effects such as traffic, noise, or signage. This law is designed to support small business development and entrepreneurship in residential neighborhoods and to ensure that cities focus regulation only where there are legitimate public concerns. This law takes effect immediately.
HB 2844
HB 2844 sets statewide standards for mobile food vendors, replacing a patchwork of local regulations with more uniform licensing and inspection rules. The bill is intended to make it easier for food truck operators to expand across city lines without facing conflicting codes. Proponents argue it promotes economic development, particularly for small and minority-owned businesses. Local governments may still impose health and safety rules, but the bill limits arbitrary restrictions. This law takes effect on July 1, 2026, except Section 437B.004, Health and Safety Code (allowing HHS to adopt rules), as added by this Act, takes effect September 1, 2025.
SB 1567
SB 1567 prohibits certain municipalities from regulating residential occupancy based on personal characteristics such as family status, marital status, or age. Instead, applicable cities may only enforce occupancy standards based on objective health and safety codes. The law is designed to prevent discrimination and promote housing flexibility in multigenerational or shared living arrangements. Housing advocates praised the bill for addressing modern living patterns without compromising safety. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
SB 17
SB 17 restricts the ability of certain foreign governments, individuals, and entities from purchasing Texas real estate, particularly near military bases or critical infrastructure, or that with substantial natural resources. It creates both civil and criminal penalties for unauthorized acquisitions and authorizes the state attorney general to take enforcement action. Supporters argue the bill is needed for national security, while critics say it could harm investment and raise concerns about discrimination. The measure reflects a growing trend of limiting foreign ownership of land in strategic areas. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
SB 2477
SB 2477 streamlines the conversion of office buildings into residential housing by prohibiting cities from imposing new zoning, parking, or impact fee requirements on qualifying projects. It creates a clear administrative approval process for developers and removes regulatory barriers that could delay adaptive reuse of commercial property. The bill supports efforts to increase housing supply in urban areas and revitalize underused commercial space. Urban development advocates consider it a key tool in addressing housing affordability. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
HB 148
HB 148 strengthens governance in appraisal districts by increasing the qualifications and training required for board members. It also introduces new transparency standards to ensure members are accountable to the public. The reforms come as part of a broader effort to improve taxpayer trust and oversight in local property tax systems. The changes are seen as especially important ahead of major exemption reforms that could impact tax rolls. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
SB 4
SB 4 (Proposition 13) provides protections for school districts facing revenue loss from the proposed increase in the homestead exemption—from $100,000 to $140,000. It includes backfill mechanisms to ensure public education budgets are not negatively affected. The bill aligns with HJR 1, a proposed constitutional amendment, and is part of a broader tax relief package. Supporters say the bill balances homeowner relief with school district stability. This law takes effect immediately, except Article 1 takes effect on the date of official canvass if SJR 2 (Proposition 13) is approved by the voters.
SJR 2 (Proposition 13) proposes a constitutional amendment to increase the homestead exemption for residence homesteads used for school district taxation from $100,000 to $140,000. The amendment also allows the legislature to authorize an additional exemption of up to $10,000 for disabled persons and those aged 65 or older, based on economic need. The change aims to reduce property tax burdens on homeowners and provides state reimbursement to school districts for the lost revenue. It takes effect for the tax year beginning January 1, 2025, and expires January 1, 2027. SJR 2 will be submitted to voters on November 4, 2025.
HJR 1 (Proposition 9) proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize the Texas Legislature to exempt up to $250,000 of the market value of tangible personal property that is owned and used for income‑producing purposes from ad valorem taxation. It removes the previous requirement tied to a minimum taxable‑value threshold, simplifying eligibility. If voters approve it on November 4, 2025, the exemption will apply retroactively to the 2025 tax year and remain in effect until January 1, 2027. HJR 1 itself does not enact the tax cut—it merely grants the authority; enabling legislation (such as HB 9) would establish the specific exemption rules.
HB 9 (Proposition 9) creates a new tax exemption up to $250,000 of the market value of income-generating personal property, such as business equipment or tools, from local property taxes. The exemption would ease the tax burden on small businesses and the self-employed. This law takes effect January 1, 2026, if it is approved by the voters on November 4, 2025.
SJR 85 (Proposition 11) proposes a constitutional amendment to empower the Texas Legislature to increase the additional school-district homestead exemption for homeowners aged 65 or older—or with a disability—from the current $10,000 to $60,000 of their residence homestead's appraised value. The amendment targets enhanced property-tax relief for seniors and disabled Texans, on top of the proposed $140,000 general exemption. A temporary provision makes the change effective retroactively to the 2025 tax year, with the amendment set to expire on January 1, 2027, unless further legislative action extends it. The measure will appear on the ballot in the November 4, 2025 constitutional amendment election.
SB 23 (Proposition 11) raises the school property tax exemption for elderly and disabled homeowners from $10,000 to $60,000. The increased exemption would reduce school district taxes for qualifying individuals and would be offset by state funds to maintain school district funding levels. This law takes effect immediately, except Article 1 takes effect on the date of official canvass if SJR 85 (Proposition 11) is approved by the voters.
SB 1145 expands TCEQ authority to regulate treated water discharges from mining and extractive industries. The bill addresses regulatory gaps that previously allowed limited oversight of these operations. It aims to prevent pollution in vulnerable waterways and enhance environmental enforcement. Environmental groups and water boards supported its passage. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
HB 3333 prohibits TCEQ from issuing permits for wastewater discharges into pristine Texas waterways. The bill responds to strong public pressure to protect scenic rivers and streams from pollution. It is one of the most aggressive clean water bills passed this session. It was supported by environmental coalitions and landowners. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
HB 1532
HB 1532 establishes a special dredging district for Lake Houston to oversee sediment removal and flood mitigation projects. The bill provides a local governance structure with authority to fund and implement necessary improvements. It addresses longstanding issues of silting and drainage in flood-prone areas. Regional officials led a coordinated push for its adoption. This law takes effect immediately.
SB 1062
SB 1062 allows governmental entities to fulfill public notice requirements by posting digitally, rather than only in newspapers. It reflects a modernization of notice procedures in line with current media usage. The bill still ensures accessibility through official websites. It also reduces notice publication costs for special districts. This law takes effect immediately.
HB 2559
HB 2559 imposes new standards on local governments when enacting development moratoriums. Cities must now show substantial justification, hold public hearings, and meet stricter legal criteria. Developers have greater avenues for challenge and relief. The bill aims to balance growth control with property rights. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
SB 1008
SB 1008 restricts cities, counties, and public health districts from charging excessive fees on restaurants and food service businesses. It limits regulatory overreach and supports small business development. The bill applies to licensing, permitting, and operational costs. It was supported by the hospitality and retail sectors. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
HB 103 requires the Texas Comptroller and Bond Review Board to create a free, public database of local government bond, tax, and project data. It must include ballot language, tax-rate impacts, election results, and spending records. Local governments must submit current-year data annually and historical data going back to 2015 by January 1, 2026. Civil penalties apply for noncompliance. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
HB 3526 requires the Texas Bond Review Board (BRB) to maintain a public database of all local government bonds, including key financial details. Local entities must report information before and after elections and provide annual updates on unissued bonds. The bill aims to improve taxpayer access to debt information and enhance accountability in local finance. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
HB 149 (TRAIGA) creates the Texas Artificial Intelligence Council (TAIC), establishes biometric privacy protections, prohibits discriminatory or manipulative AI applications, and requires disclosure when AI is used in healthcare. The bill also preempts local AI rules and introduces a regulatory mechanism to support innovation. This law takes effect on January 1, 2026.
HB 1500 modernizes the governance structure of the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) and includes new training and certification requirements for its governing board. The bill also directs the comptroller, in coordination with DIR, to create a centralized online portal for all “state assistance” opportunities—like grants, loans, and contracts—so Texans can easily find and search current offerings. Finally, the bill applies cyber security and AI training requirements on all elected and appointed public officials. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
HB 3512 adds an annual AI training requirement alongside existing cybersecurity training for state agency and local government employees and officials who use computers (arguably only those who use computers for at least 25% of their required duties, but see HB 1500). The Department of Information Resources must certify at least five AI training programs and publish the list each year. Compliance is tied to future grant eligibility, and annual compliance verifications and periodic compliance audits may be required by the DIR. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
HJR 7
HJR 7 proposes a constitutional amendment that would dedicate any state sales tax revenue exceeding $46.5 billion to the Texas Water Fund. The measure would allow up to $1 billion per year in deposits through 2047, unless extended by future legislative action. These funds would be used to support statewide water infrastructure improvements. If approved by voters on November 4, 2025 (Proposition 4), it will take effect September 1, 2026, representing a long-term commitment to water security.
SB 7
SB 7 outlines the implementation of HJR 7 by directing that at least 50% of appropriated funds go toward the New Water Supply for Texas Fund (NWSTF). It broadens eligible uses, enables transfers between water-related accounts, and ensures flexibility in addressing statewide needs. It is a critical piece of Texas’ evolving water infrastructure framework. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025, except Sections 1.04, 1.06, and 1.09 take effect September 1, 2027, but only if HJR 7 (Proposition 4) is approved by the voters.
SB 1532
SB 1532 requires the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to publicly post detailed project updates, financial summaries, and risk assessments for all state-funded water infrastructure efforts. This is intended to increase transparency and public trust in large-scale infrastructure spending. By enhancing accountability, the bill ensures responsible use of funds appropriated under the water investment framework. It also helps communities track progress and planning on high-impact water projects. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
HB 500
HB 500 is a major supplemental appropriations bill that includes $2.5 billion in funding for water infrastructure projects across the state. The bill also includes appropriations for unrelated needs such as teacher retirement liabilities, mental health facility upgrades, and historic courthouse preservation. This expansive (@ $13 billion) funding package is seen as a key step in addressing overdue capital improvements. It reflects bipartisan support for sustainable infrastructure investment. This law takes effect immediately.
HB 29
HB 29 mandates enhanced water loss audits for large municipal utilities to curb excessive water waste. It imposes penalties for non-compliance and requires regular reporting to regulatory authorities. This bill responds to growing concerns about infrastructure inefficiencies and water scarcity. It is part of Texas’ broader commitment to utility transparency and accountability. This law takes effect immediately.
SB 1583
SB 1583 strengthens oversight of groundwater conservation districts by requiring scientifically updated management plans and coordination with regional water planners. It aims to eliminate inconsistencies in how districts regulate and report their activities. The bill empowers the Texas Water Development Board to enforce compliance with best practices. Conservation advocates praised it for increasing regulatory consistency. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
SB 1662
SB 1662 requires the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to provide public notice prior to conducting underground water testing. This change seeks to enhance transparency, particularly in communities concerned about aquifer disruption. The bill also mandates a formal timeline for notice delivery. It was supported by groundwater districts and local governments alike. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
SB 1194 creates the Central Texas Water Alliance, a new regional water authority covering parts of Bell and McLennan Counties. The Alliance can issue bonds, charge fees, and build infrastructure but may not levy property taxes or condemn groundwater or water rights. It aims to coordinate regional water planning and projects. This law took effect immediately on May 15, 2025.
SB 612 caps the fees that water/sewer utility districts may charge developers for system connection. The bill introduces predictability and cost control in development planning. It aims to reduce disputes between municipalities, developers, and utility providers. The bill was negotiated with broad stakeholder input. This law takes effect immediately.
SB 1253 offers impact fee credits to developers who install water-saving infrastructure, such as low-flow fixtures or reuse systems. The bill promotes smart water planning by aligning financial incentives with conservation. It also allows for administrative flexibility in local development ordinances. Urban planners and builders support the bill for advancing sustainable growth. This law was vetoed by the Governor.
SB 790 clarifies tenant rights in disputes over water billing and provides a streamlined complaint process. It requires property managers to disclose billing methodology and actual usage data. The bill was prompted by widespread tenant frustration with utility pass-through charges. Housing advocates view it as a tenant protection measure. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
HB 1318 streamlines the issuance of water and sewer certificates in newly annexed areas. The bill clarifies the roles of service providers and municipalities, reducing confusion and delays in connecting essential utilities. It improves planning coordination and helps prevent service gaps. Local officials welcomed the administrative clarity. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
HB 2512 allows property owners and residents to petition for release from a city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) under expanded eligibility criteria. This includes areas near military installations, industrial districts, or those subject to service agreements. The bill aims to increase local autonomy and reduce forced urban influence over rural communities. It reflects a growing backlash to involuntary municipal oversight. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
SB 1844 empowers residents of newly annexed areas to seek disannexation if the city fails to deliver promised services. It allows legal recourse through district courts and adds enforcement teeth to service delivery commitments. The bill is part of a broader push for municipal accountability. It has been widely supported by rural and suburban communities. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
SB 2965 reforms the treatment of Emergency Services Districts (ESDs) during city annexation. It requires cities to demonstrate that they can provide equal or better emergency services. Disagreements must be resolved via binding arbitration, or, if the ESD does not respond within 30 days then the city's annexation request is automatically approved. The bill is intended to clarify procedural timelines to ensure continuity of life-saving services. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
HB 3010 establishes the Rural Infrastructure Disaster Recovery Program to assist certain small communities in rebuilding critical infrastructure after natural disasters. Eligible counties must have fewer than 100,000 residents, a GDP below $2 billion, and a poverty rate above 15%. The program offers grants to repair roads, schools, hospitals, and water systems and is administered by the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Funding will come from a newly created account in the state’s general revenue fund, providing targeted relief where it is most needed. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
HB 1584 requires electric utilities to create and maintain a list of “priority facilities” within their service areas. These include hospitals, police stations, fire stations, critical water or wastewater facilities, and Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) confinement facilities. Utilities must provide an online process for facilities to request inclusion on the list and are required to approve any facility that qualifies under the statute. They must respond to such requests within 14 days and disclose whether the facility has been included. In the event of a governor-declared disaster or emergency affecting their service territory, utilities must submit their priority list to the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). The list is confidential and exempt from Public Information Act disclosure. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.
SB 1025 enhances voter transparency by requiring that all ballot propositions proposing tax increases explicitly include the phrase “THIS IS A TAX INCREASE” in all capital letters. The proposition must also state the specific tax amount or maximum rate. The bill is intended to ensure voters are fully informed about the financial impact of their decisions. Local governments must revise ballot formatting practices to comply with the new requirement. This law takes effect immediately.
SB 506 improves the clarity and neutrality of ballot proposition language. It grants the Secretary of State authority, primarily in city elections, to review and correct misleading language and ensures home-rule cities follow standardized proposition rules. The bill also establishes legal remedies for defective language and sets new rules for petition formatting. It is designed to restore public trust in the ballot process and improve electoral fairness. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
SB 1494 extends the deadline for certain political subdivisions, other than counties or municipal utility districts, to change the date of their general elections to the November uniform election date. The bill sets a new deadline of December 31, 2026, replacing the previous 2016 cutoff.
SB 2753 directs the Texas Secretary of State to study integrating early voting and election-day procedures—such as using the same polling locations and merging ballot counting. It shortens the early voting period from 17 to 12 days before Election Day, includes weekends and holidays, and requires early-voting sites to remain open on Election Day. The goal is to streamline operations and reduce administrative burdens for local elections. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
SB 2217 updates the Texas Election Code to improve voter registration, polling procedures, and post-election transparency. It allows in-county voter address changes to take effect immediately rather than after 30 days. The bill directs the Secretary of State to certify electronic pollbook devices capable of displaying voter signatures, recording acceptance data, and producing digital reports. It also requires county officials to reconcile accepted voters with ballots cast and publish this information online within 30 days after an election. Starting in 2026, central counting systems must be able to generate precinct-level vote totals, and optical scanners must provide daily usage reports. The bill also mandates separate reporting of provisional ballots for early voting and election day. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
SJR 37 (Proposition 16) proposes a constitutional amendment to explicitly state that only U.S. citizens may vote in Texas elections. It adds non-citizens to the list of excluded classes in Article VI, Section 1(a) of the Texas Constitution. The measure seeks to codify the existing statutory requirement into the state constitution, namely to guard against future local or statutory changes. It will be submitted to voters on November 4, 2025, and effective immediately upon passage.
HB 762 limits severance payments for political subdivision employees and contractors to a maximum of 20 weeks of regular compensation, excluding accrued paid leave. Severance is prohibited for terminations related to misconduct. The bill also requires public posting of severance agreements to promote transparency and accountability. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
SB 2237 mirrors the provisions of HB 762, applying the same severance cap and public disclosure requirements. Together, the bills create a statewide policy on public sector severance practices. The legislation was backed by government watchdog groups and fiscal conservatives. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
HB 1522 changes open meetings notice requirements by replacing the current 72-hour rule with a new “three business days” minimum. It also mandates that physical budget copies be made available to the public during budget discussions. The bill is intended to promote transparency in local government deliberations. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
HB 2520 expands the definition of “governmental body” under open meetings laws, making it applicable to an additional category of public officials. It also requires more detailed agendas and tightens rules governing closed meetings for personnel matters. The bill responds to concerns that current laws allowed vague or misleading agendas in certain contexts. It is intended to improve public understanding and oversight. This law was vetoed by the Governor.
HB 3711 elevates the severity of open meetings violations by classifying them as offenses against public administration. This legal reclassification allows for stronger enforcement and greater deterrence. The bill reflects a policy shift toward stricter accountability for public officials. It underscores the importance of compliance with open governance laws. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
HB 4214 requires public agencies to submit annual contact information for public information requests to the Texas Attorney General. The AG will maintain a statewide directory accessible to the public. This standardizes the information request process and helps ensure citizen access to public records. The bill addresses long-standing confusion around proper request routing. This law takes effect immediately (and requires submission of contact information to the AG by October 1 each year).
HB 4219 introduces stricter deadlines for public information responses and requires a reply even if no responsive records exist. It establishes penalties for noncompliance and creates a formal complaint process through the Attorney General. This law closes a loophole in the Public Information Act that allowed silence from agencies. Transparency advocates consider it one of the most impactful reforms of the session. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
SB 1583 requires that groundwater conservation districts update their management plans using the latest scientific data and coordinate with regional planners. The Texas Water Development Board is authorized to review and enforce these updates. The bill addresses the inconsistencies in conservation planning across Texas. It is seen as a step toward statewide sustainability and planning integration. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
HB 1633 adds new permitting criteria for groundwater districts, requiring them to consider impacts on exempt domestic wells and align permit decisions with conservation goals. The bill balances groundwater development with sustainability. It provides rural property owners with greater protection against aquifer depletion. Conservationists support its alignment with regional water planning efforts. This law takes effect immediately.
HB 1690 requires groundwater districts to issue certified notices and publicly post all export permit applications. The bill is meant to promote transparency and public engagement in high-stakes water transfers and addresses concerns about secrecy in the permitting process. The law allows affected landowners to participate in decision-making. This law was vetoed by the Governor.
HB 5560 increases civil penalties for groundwater rule violations to $25,000 per day, with the potential for higher fines in cases of financial benefit from noncompliance. The bill strengthens the enforcement toolkit available to groundwater districts. It serves as a deterrent for entities that might otherwise flout conservation rules. Water authorities widely support the measure. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
SB 1055 raises the fee cap for groundwater production permits issued by the Southeast Texas Groundwater Conservation District. This allows the district to generate more revenue to support planning, conservation, and infrastructure. It reflects inflationary adjustments and increased operational needs. The bill was introduced in response to local concerns about underfunded water management. This law takes effect immediately.
SB 6 addresses rising electricity demand from large-scale users like data centers by requiring them to help fund transmission upgrades and prove financial readiness. It allows ERCOT to limit power or require backup generation during emergencies and directs new planning efforts to maintain grid reliability. This law took effect immediately on June 20, 2025.
SB 75 creates the Texas Grid Security Commission within the Division of Emergency Management to assess and improve the resilience of the electric grid and critical infrastructure—including water, communications, energy systems, healthcare, and transportation. The commission must develop an “all‑hazards” resilience plan by December 1, 2026, and provide annual reports on emerging threats. This law took effect immediately on June 20, 2025.
HB 4370 expands the types of public improvement projects that special districts (like public improvement, utility, water control, and municipal management districts) can undertake to include geothermal water-conveyance systems and related infrastructure. The districts are authorized to acquire, construct, operate, and maintain these systems within their boundaries. The change aims to enhance sustainability and diversify energy and water infrastructure options in local development efforts. This law takes effect on September 1, 2025.
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