89th Texas Legislature

CJCAT County Impact Analysis

The Regular Session of the 89th Texas Legislature began with a $24 billion surplus and high hopes for action on several important issues. County priorities included additional funding for mental health, indigent defense, and new funding for rural ambulance services. While significant funding was included for rural ambulance services, the county taxpayers remain financially responsible for state mental health patients and indigent defendants. Many of the bills that passed the Texas House and Texas Senate affect county government and will require action by the Commissioners Court. These bills will continue to be analyzed over the coming months.

Bill Report

1. HB 500 – Supplemental Appropriations Act
   1. $100 million for Texas Historical Commission Courthouse Grant Program
   2. $13.3 million for reimbursement to counties for holding juveniles committed to Texas Juvenile Justice Department
   3. $5.1 million for Indigent Defense Commission
   4. $2.5 billion for water infrastructure and supply project grants
   5. $236.3 million for volunteer fire department grants to eliminate backlog funding request
2. SB 1 – Appropriations Bill
3. Indigent Defense Commission– includes $170.3 million in all funds for indigent defense
4. $8.8 million to create new public defender offices
5. No funding was included for legal representation and indigent parents in Child Protective Services cases, counties continue to fund 100 percent of these costs.
6. County Transportation Infrastructure Fund – no funding
7. $330.8 million county Rural Law Enforcement Grant Program

Development Authority

The assault on local control and public safety/welfare came to a head this session. Developers and their associations pushed a legislative package that removes significant oversight at the county level, condensing the timeline for review and approval of plats and inspections, and legislation which administers punitive punishments toward those local governments when challenged. During the interim, the CJCAT will work closely with Commissioners Courts all over the state to educate members of the legislature and their communities on the negative impacts the legislation presents.

Property Tax Relief

SB 4/SJR 2 by Sen. Bettencourt increases the homestead exemption to $140,000. SB 23 by Sen. Bettencourt increases the homestead exemption to $60,000 for over 65 and disabled Texans. In addition, HB 9 grants an exemption up to $125,000 from ad valorem taxation for the portion of the appraised value of tangible personal property that is held or used for the production of income. The exemptions are contingent upon voter approval in the 11-4-25 election.

Silence County Officials Legislation

The CJCAT Legislative Committee monitored all county-related legislation. The CJCAT was particularly involved in SB 19 by Sen. Middleton, Silencing County Officials. This bill would have prohibited counties from participating in associations that communicate with the legislature and would have prohibited counties from retaining registered lobbyists. SB 19 passed the Senate by a vote of 20-11.

SB 19 would have prohibited counties from maintaining a collective voice before the legislature. County officials appreciate the sound judgment exercised by Speaker Dustin Burrows, Chairman Ken King, and the members of the House State Affairs Committee to preserve the ability of county officials and their associations to participate in the legislative process. SB 19 did not receive a hearing in the House Committee on State Affairs and died for lack of action.

Constitutional County Judges

In 2015, the CJCAT was able to increase the state salary supplement for County Judges who exercise judicial function from $15,000 to $25,200 and establish it at 18 percent of the state base salary of a district judge. Unfortunately, the state has not increased the base salary of a district judge since then. Under SB 2878 and SB 1, the state base salary of a district judge will increase from $140,000 to $175,000 on Sept. 1. The annual supplement for County Judges with judicial duties will increase from $25,200 to $31,500. Also, under HB 2529 by Rep. Dean/Sen. Huffman, a County Judge with more than four years of service will receive an additional 10 percent, and a Judge with more than eight years of service will receive an additional 20 percent.

Fireworks

Like the developers, the fireworks industry came prepared to push a large agenda focusing on the expansion of days fireworks may be sold and the removal Commissioners Court authority to approve the sale. It is common practice for a Commissioners Court to take into consideration community conditions as each region faces distinct fire risks due to variations in vegetation, climate, and fuel types. One size does not fit all, and Commissioners Court approval allows for community engagement and accountability to reflect the values and priorities of each community. Residents can work with local leaders to establish rules that strike an appropriate balance between safety and celebration. The CJCAT will work closely with Commissioners Courts all over the state to educate members of the legislature and their communities on the negative impacts the proposed legislation presents.

Good New Laws in Effect

SB 1062 by Sen. Kolkhorst – Allows a county to post notices on a digital newspaper after satisfying certain requirements. Effective 5-19-25

SB 480 by Perry – Authorizes a county to enter into an interlocal contract to participate in water research or planning activities. Effective 5-28-25

HB 18 by Rep. Van Deaver – Establishes the State Office of Rural Hospital Finance to provide technical assistance for rural hospitals seeking state or federal grants. Additionally, the bill establishes the Texas Rural Hospital Academy to provide the necessary training and education to local hospital officers to handle financial and operational challenges. Effective 6-20-25

HB 21 by Rep. Gates – Limits the activities of a Housing Finance Corporation to its jurisdictional boundaries unless it receives approval of any affected city or county. Furthermore, the bill enhances transparency by applying the Open Meetings and Public Information Act and requiring independent audits for tax exemptions.  Effective 5-28-25

HB 1109 by Rep. VanDeaver – Exempts counties from the state motor fuels tax.  Effective 7-1-25

Good New Laws With Later Effective Date

HB 2217 by Wharton – Establishes a statewide grant program to outfit law enforcement vehicles with bullet-resistant windshields, windows, and door panels.   The Governor’s Criminal Justice Division will administer the program and establish grant eligibility guidelines. Effective 9-1-25

HB 2282 by Rep. Janie Lopez – Increases process and warrant fee from $50 to $75. Effective 9-1-25

HB 2529 by Rep. Dean – In the 86th Legislative Session, HB 2384 provided a seniority increase in the compensation for members of the judiciary. However, Constitutional County Judges were not included in the legislation. HB 2529 allows a tenured Constitutional County Judge to receive the same longevity supplement for four years and eight years of service from the state as all other judges and justices receive in Texas. Effective 9-1-25

HB 2560 by Shofner – Local option by Commissioners Court to create an “Adopt-A-County Road Program” to accept donations for road repair and maintenance. Effective 9-1-25

HB 3000 by Rep. King – establishes the Rural Ambulance Services Grant Program. Effective 9-1-25

HB 3010 by Rep. Ashby – Establishes the Rural Infrastructure Disaster Recovery Program. Effective 9-1-25

HB 5534 by Wilson – Allows Commissioners Courts to post their agendas on digital screens at the courthouse. Effective 9-1-25

SB 651 by West – Requires the veterans county service officer to report to the Commissioners Court or designated county official. Effective 9-1-25

SB 868 by Sen. Sparks – Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.  Effective 9-1-25

SB 1079 by Sen. West – Authorizes a county to dispose of sensitive media devices.  Effective 9-1-25

SB 1173 by Sen. Perry – Increases the bid limit to $100,000. Effective 9-1-25

SB 1967 by Sen. Hinojosa, Chuy – Expands the definition of eligible flood project to include construction of multipurpose flood mitigation and drainage infrastructure projects. Effective 9-1-25

Problem Bills in Effect

SB 1025 by Bettencourt – Establishes text requirements for ballot propositions for tax increases. Effective 5-24-25

Problem Bills With Later Effective Date

HB 1522 by Gerdes – Requires public meeting notices for a county to be posted at least three business days before the meeting’s scheduled date. Effective 9-1-25

HB 4219 by Capriglione – Requires a county to provide clear written responses within 10 days when handling PIA requests including notifying no information is available. Effective 9-1-25

HB 3711 by Capriglione – Requires the attorney general to investigate and prosecute Open Meetings Act violations by public officials and requires prosecutors to seek Texas Rangers investigative aid and disclose prosecution decisions online. Effective 9-1-25

HB 30 by Rep. Troxclair – Eliminates disaster rate exemption. Effective 1-1-26

SB 2753 by Sen. Hall – Abolishes absentee and early voting; the bill takes effect when the secretary of state publishes the report no later than 8-1-27.

Good Bills – Died

HB 355 by Rep. Craddick – Reimburses counties for juveniles not accepted by TJJD within 30 days. Died in Senate Criminal Justice

HB 363 by Rep. Bell, Keith – Requires notice to Commissioners Court of TCEQ petition to create municipal utility district (MUD). Died in Senate Local Government

HB 386 by Rep. Gervin-Hawkins – Increases change order limits on county construction contracts. Died in Senate

HB 464 by Rep. Mary Gonzalez – Creates Scrap Tire Remediation Grant Program.  Died in Senate.

HB 503 by Rep. Tepper – Increases population limit for law enforcement grants from 300,000 to 400,000. Died in Senate Finance

HB 1378 by Rep. Virdell – County buffer zone for electric energy storage facility. Died in House State Affairs

HB 1461 by Rep. Frank – Requires state reimbursement to counties for mental health, juveniles, and parole violators. Died in Senate Finance

HB 1463 by Rep. Jones, Venton – Authorizes counties to regulate scrap tires. Died in House Environmental Regulation

HB 1674 by Rep. Kerwin/SB 886 by Sen. Sparks – Regulates and mandates testing the use of biosolids for agricultural purposes. Died in House Environmental Regulation/Died in Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

HB 3087 by Kerwin – County authority to restrict sex offenders. Died in House Calendars

HB 3335 by Rep. Cole – Authorizes a county to dispose of surplus and salvage property to a civic or charitable organization. Died in Senate Local Government

HB 3637 by Rep. Troxclair/ HJR 88 by Rep.  Zwiener – Local option by Commissioners Court for rainwater harvesting and graywater tax exemption. Both died in Senate

HB 3641 by Rep. Bell – Authorizes a county to regulate noise level. Died in Senate Local Government

HB 4105 by Rep. Harless – Enables certain counties to consider the location of a bidder’s principal place of business when awarding certain contracts. Died in Senate Local Government

HB 4473 by Rep. Canales – Study on county roads. Died in Senate

HB 4944 by Moody – Grant program for transportation of indigent litigants. Died in Senate

SB 1855 by Perry – Requires a county to disapprove plat application that does not meet certain criteria or fails to demonstrate adequate groundwater availability.  Died in House Calendars

SB 2023 by Sen. Blanco – Creates Indigent Pauper Burial Reimbursement Grant Program. Passed to Third Reading in Senate

Problem Bills – Died

HB 19 by Rep. Meyer – Regulates the issuance and repayment of debt. Died in House Ways and Means

HB 23 by Harris – Enables a developer to use private third-party reviewers and inspectors for the approval of plats and other development documents. The county must accept the documents even if those determinations conflict with county regulations. This bill poses a serious threat to local control, public safety, and the integrity of our community development standards. By mandating the acceptance of third-party reviews, this bill could lead to the approval of projects that do not meet the county standards such as identifying floodplains, streets, or drainage requirements. Died in Senate Local Government

HB 1588 by Rep. Leo-Wilson/SB 411 by Sen. Middleton – Eliminates the requirement for county official continuing education and limits training to only governmental entities. Died in House State Affairs/Died in Senate State Affairs

HB 3394 by Rep. Alders – Eliminates authority of Commissioners Court to have prior approval of a deputy constable. Died in House Intergovernmental Relations

HB 3892 by Bell – Removes county’s ability to control lot widths and setbacks on newly platted roads. Died on House vote

HB 4260 by Rep. Bumgarner – Prohibits the practice of law by Commissioners Court members in certain courts within their county. Died in House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence

SB 19 by Sen. Middleton – Prohibits counties from supporting a nonprofit association, such as the CJCAT, that provides legislative representation and communication. Died in House State Affairs

SB 76 by Sen. Hall – Eliminates the Countywide Polling System Program. Died in Senate State Affairs

SB 404 by Sen. Middleton – Mandates counties to only invest in pools managed by the comptroller or the Texas Treasury Safekeeping Trust Fund. Died in Senate Finance

SB 819 by Kolkhorst – Limitation on abatements for renewable energy. Died in House State Affairs

SB 982 by Sen. Hughes – Allows disputes for appeals of appraisal review board orders to justice court. Died in Senate Local Government

SB 1024 by Bettencourt – Limits the use of anticipation notes and certificates of obligations. Died in House Pensions/Investments/Financial Services

SB 2183 by Sen. Hinojosa, Adam – Expands the dates fireworks may be sold and eliminates Commissioners Court approval. Died in House Calendars

SB 2519 by Bettencourt – Restricts use of levy and use of certain ad valorem taxes. Died in House Calendars

SB 2522 by Bettencourt – Prohibits a county from regulating lot density, including through minimum lot sizes, lot dimensions, lot frontages, lot setbacks. Died in Senate Calendars

SB 2541 by Sen. Bettencourt – Reduces unused increment rate. Died in House Calendars

SB 2858 by Sen. Creighton – Pre-empts county regulation authority. Died in House Calendars

SB 3016 by Sen. Creighton – Pre-empts county regulation authority. Died in Senate Calendars