AUSTIN, Texas — Over the course of the 89th Texas Legislature, which lasted 140 days, lawmakers worked diligently, introducing a total of 11,503 bills in both the Senate and House. With the end of the legislative session approaching, Governor Greg Abbott laid down his pen—by June 22, he had signed 1,155 bills into law, vetoing 26 others. Among those, 255 measures were set to take effect immediately, addressing essential issues like education, water management, health services, and public safety.
Among the newly signed legislation, House Bill 2081 aims to enhance educational opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at both public and private institutions. This bill establishes the Building Better Futures Program, which will be governed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The board is tasked with creating a competitive process for institutions to apply for funding to develop programs aimed at supporting these students.
Education-focused legislation also includes Senate Bill 326, which compels higher education institutions to incorporate a previously decided definition of antisemitism when considering cases related to student conduct. Similarly, Senate Bill 365 allows colleges to waive grades from courses taken 5 to 10 years prior to a student’s re-enrollment, thus giving them a second chance to succeed academically.
In the realm of K-12 education, Senate Bill 27 was enacted to expand the financial literacy curriculum for high schoolers, while Senate Bill 207 clarifies that absences due to mental health appointments will be excused. Additionally, Senate Bill 314 prohibits certain additives in meals provided by school districts and charter schools, focusing on healthier food options for students.
Health-related legislation includes House Bill 18, aimed at improving the financial viability of rural hospitals. It also includes Senate Bill 31, which outlines exceptions to Texas’ abortion ban based on a physician’s medical judgment, emphasizing patient health. Senate Bill 842 addresses medical liability for ring-side physicians during combative sports events, ensuring that they are protected from civil lawsuits stemming from their professional actions.
On the water management front, House Bill 29 mandates that municipally owned utilities report water losses to the Texas Water Development Board—this ensures improved resource management. Furthermore, local governments are now authorized to collaborate on research related to water resources, driven by Senate Bill 480. Notably, Senate Bill 1194 establishes the Central Texas Water Alliance to streamline oversight and enhance collective water management efforts.
The legislative session also addressed voting regulations, with Senate Bill 914 allowing small cities to adjust their general election dates to align with the uniform November election date. Additionally, Senate Bill 1025 requires ballots proposing tax increases to indicate that they entail a tax hike.
Amid rising crime rates, the new legislation creates an organized theft prevention unit within the Texas Department of Public Safety, focusing on oil and gas equipment crimes as stipulated by House Bill 48. Senate Bill 1646 increases penalties for cable and fiber theft, further safeguarding critical infrastructure.
With countless bills passed aimed at various issues from health to crime, this legislative session was marked by efforts to enhance social infrastructure, resources, and community standards. Yet, as with any legislative process, the real impact of these new laws will be assessed in the coming months and years.
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