The first filing period for the 2025 session shattered records as Texas lawmakers filed 1,500 bills for the upcoming session. The rapid filing does not constitute a higher priority within the session; however, it offers insight into the issues that Texas legislators seek to address. Amongst the list are abortion, border security, voter registration and property taxes.
In response to recent abortion legislation, Representative Donna Howard filed House Bill 257 and HB 395. HB 257 calls for the discretion of medical officials when dealing with abortion. The bill encourages abortion if it is “necessary to preserve the pregnant patient’s life,” “to preserve the pregnant patient’s physical or mental health” or when “requested because of a lethal fetal anomaly.” HB 395 would allow for abortion if “the pregnancy resulted from sexual assault.”
Representative Steve Toth filed HB 1004, which grants “the attorney general jurisdiction to prosecute criminal offenses described by Section 402.101.” Offenses include those related to elections and abortions.
Senate Bill 134 requires county partnerships with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to ensure federal immigration law is abided by. Local and federal responsibilities must be outlined in a signed agreement. Failure to produce an agreement will result in the removal of state funding for the following fiscal year.
SB 81 invokes the U.S. and Texas constitutions’ invasion clause by granting the Department of Public Safety the ability to “return to Mexico illegal aliens who have been observed unlawfully crossing the Texas-Mexico border.”
Many bills regarding the lowering of property taxes have been filed. Representative Cody Vasut filed HB 165. The bill would collectively eliminate property taxes and seek alternative funding methods for state tax revenue. HB 264 stipulates that half of the budget surplus should be dedicated to tax relief.
Voter registration bills address concerns of rigged elections and invalid voters. Representative Briscoe Cain’s HB 892 requires registering voters to submit proof of citizenship — required paperwork is outlined within the bill. HB 1001 requires paper ballots to be granted at a voter’s request.
Many of the bills proposed reflect ideas that were previously discussed and denied. Filed legislation for the 2025 session can be found online. Internet users can search by the specific bill number, representative name or subject.
