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TEXAS SENATE MOVES AT LIGHTSPEED TO PASS OVER HALF OF TOP 40 PRIORITIES

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TEXAS SENATE MOVES AT LIGHTSPEED TO PASS OVER HALF OF TOP 40 PRIORITIES

https://www.ltgov.texas.gov/2025/03/24/texas-senate-moves-at-lightspeed-to-pass-over-half-of-top-40-priorities/

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has identified key bills as top priorities for this legislative session. At the midpoint of the 89th Texas Legislature, the Senate is making strong progress in advancing this legislation. In January, he introduced the most ambitious conservative agenda in Senate history—and within just one week of the bill-filing deadline, they already passed 21 of our top 40 priority bills. These included his own priorities.

He has urged Speaker Dade Phelan and the Texas House to act swiftly so these essential reforms can become law.

The ones in bold affect property and housing:

Senate Bill 1 – Senate’s Budget for Texas
Senate Bill 2 – Providing School Choice – This bill has passed the senate. it will need to go through the House and Governor. This will not require voter approval.
Senate Bill 3 – Banning THC in Texas
Senate Bill 4 – Increasing the Homestead Exemption to $140,000 ($150,000 for seniors) – This bill has been passed by the Senate. It will need to go through the house and the governor. 
Senate Bill 5 – Combatting Alzheimer’s – Establishing DPRIT (Dementia Prevention & Research Institute of Texas)
Senate Bill 6 – Increasing Texas’ Electric Grid Reliability
Senate Bill 7 – Increasing Investments in Texas’ Water Supply
Senate Bill 8 – Requiring Local Law Enforcement to Assist the Federal Government’s Deportation Efforts
Senate Bill 9 – Reforming Bail – Keeping Violent Criminals Off Our Streets
Senate Bill 10 – Placing the Ten Commandments in School
Senate Bill 11 – Protecting the Freedom to Pray in School
Senate Bill 12 – Establishing a Parental Bill of Rights in Public Education
Senate Bill 13 – Guarding Against Inappropriate Books in Public Schools
Senate Bill 14 – Texas DOGE – Improving Government Efficiency
Senate Bill 15 – Removing Barriers to Affordable Housing. This bill has been passed by the Senate. It will need to go through the house and the governor. 
Senate Bill 16 – Stopping Non-Citizens from Voting
Senate Bill 17 – Stopping Foreign Adversaries’ Land Grabs
Senate Bill 18 – Stopping Drag Time Story Hour
Senate Bill 19 – Stopping Taxpayer Dollars for Lobbyists
Senate Bill 20 – Stopping AI Child Pornography
Senate Bill 21 – Establishing the Texas Bitcoin Reserve
Senate Bill 22 – Establishing Texas as America’s Film Capital
Senate Bill 23 – Removing the Cap on the Rainy Day Fund to Secure Texas’ Long-term Financial Future (text not available as of March 30, 2025)
Senate Bill 24 – Educating Texas Students on the Horrors of Communism
Senate Bill 25 – Making Texas Healthy Again

The list includes 40 bills but he has only released 25 so far.

Senate Bill 17

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Senate Bill 17 – Relating to the purchase or acquisition of real property by certain aliens or foreign entities.

This is a short summary. Read the entire bill here.

This Texas bill, effective September 1, 2025, restricts certain foreign individuals and entities from purchasing or acquiring real property (including agricultural, residential, commercial, and industrial land) in the state.

Key Provisions:
1. Prohibited Buyers:
– Governments, organizations, or individuals from “designated countries” (those deemed a national security threat by U.S. intelligence).
– Entities controlled by these governments or individuals.

2. Exceptions:
– U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (even if from a restricted country).
– Homestead properties (primary residences).
– Leaseholds under 100 years.

3. Enforcement:
– The Texas Attorney General can investigate and sue to block illegal purchases.
– Courts may appoint a receiver to seize and sell prohibited properties.

4. Impact:
– Does not void past purchases (only applies to transactions after Sept. 1, 2025).
– Aims to prevent foreign adversaries from gaining control over Texas land, especially agricultural and strategic properties.

Bottom Line:
Texas is tightening rules on foreign real estate ownership to address national security concerns, while protecting lawful residents and homestead rights.

 

Senate Bill – 15

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Senate Bill – 15 – Relating to size and density requirements for residential lots in certain municipalities; authorizing a fee.

This is a summary of the bill. Read the entire bill here.

This Texas bill, effective September 1, 2025, imposes new restrictions on municipalities with populations over 150,000 (located in counties with 300,000+ residents) regarding residential zoning. Key provisions include:

1. Lot Size & Density Limits:
– Bans minimum lot sizes larger than 1,400 sq. ft., widths under 20 feet, or depths under 60 feet for certain single-family zoned tracts (5+ acres, unplatted).
– Prohibits density limits below 31.1 units per acre.

**This will allow for more housing in a smaller area: 1. More affordable housing options – Smaller lots (as tiny as 1,400 sq. ft.) mean lower land costs, potentially reducing home prices. 2. More housing supply – Could ease shortages in high-demand cities (e.g., Austin, Houston, San Antonio). 3. Flexibility in design – Fewer restrictions on setbacks, parking, and height allow for more creative home layouts (e.g., townhomes, skinny houses).

2. Small Lot Protections (≤4,000 sq. ft.):
– Limits setbacks to 5 feet (front/back/sides).
– Bans requirements like covered parking, >1 parking space/unit, >30% open space, or height restrictions under 3 stories (max 10 ft./floor).
– Exempts aquifer recharge zones from permeable surface rules.

3. Enforcement & Legal Action:
– Allows lawsuits by affected parties/housing organizations for violations, with remedies including damages, injunctions, and attorney’s fees.
– Waives governmental immunity for such claims.

4. Exemptions:
– Does not override private HOA rules, stormwater mitigation, or short-term rental regulations.
– Excludes areas near law enforcement training centers in populous counties (e.g., Harris County).

Goal: Promote higher-density housing by reducing local zoning barriers, while preserving environmental and private contractual protections.

 

Senate Bill – 7

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Senate Bill – 7 – Relating to the oversight and financing of certain water infrastructure matters under the jurisdiction of the Texas Water Development Board.

This is a summary of the bill. Read the entire bill here. This bill will require voter approval.

This bill enhances the Texas Water Development Board’s (TWDB) authority to plan, fund, and coordinate water infrastructure projects, focusing on new water supplies, efficient conveyance, and regional coordination.

Key Provisions:
1. Water Supply & Conveyance Coordination
– TWDB must facilitate joint planning between utilities, governments, and industries to:
– Maximize use of existing easements (reducing eminent domain needs).
– Standardize water pipeline designs for interconnectivity.
– Plan for excess capacity in new infrastructure.

2. Funding Expansions
– Allows TWDB to use the Texas Water Fund for:
– Desalination, produced water treatment, aquifer storage, and reservoirs.
– New water conveyance infrastructure (but not for transporting fresh groundwater).
– Streamlines transfers between state water funds.

3. Advisory Committee Reforms
– Expands the Texas Water Fund Advisory Committee to include emergency management oversight.
– Requires biennial reports on water project progress and funding.

4. Permitting & Oversight
– TWDB can pay for expedited permit reviews (up to $2M) to speed up water projects.
– Strengthens legislative oversight of water fund spending.

5. Out-of-State Water Transfers
– Explicitly allows TWDB to purchase and transfer water rights from other states for Texas’ benefit.

Effective Dates:
– Most provisions take effect September 1, 2025.
– Some funding changes depend on voter approval of a 2025 constitutional amendment (S.J.R. 66).

Impact:
– Faster project delivery through better coordination and funding.
– More water supply options (desalination, reservoirs, imported water).
– Reduced eminent domain use by prioritizing existing easements.
– Accountability via stricter legislative oversight and public reporting.

This bill aims to modernize Texas’ water infrastructure planning while ensuring funds are spent effectively.

Senate Bill – 6

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SB 6 – Relating to electricity planning and infrastructure costs for large loads.

This is a short Summary: Texas Large Load Electricity Planning Bill. Read the entire bill here

This bill has passed the Senate but still has to go through the House and the Governor.

This bill establishes new rules for large electricity customers (75+ megawatts, A large electricity customer in this bill refers to any industrial, commercial, or institutional facility that requires 75 megawatts (MW) or more of power at a single site.) in Texas to ensure grid reliability, fair cost-sharing, and transparency in infrastructure planning.

Key Provisions:
1. Cost Recovery for Utilities
– Large customers must help pay for grid interconnection costs.
– Municipal utilities and co-ops can pass these costs directly to large users.

2. New Standards for Large Loads
– Disclosure requirements: Customers must reveal if they’re seeking similar service elsewhere (to prevent wasted infrastructure).
– Backup power reporting: Large customers must disclose on-site backup generators, which ERCOT can call on during emergencies.
– Study fees: At least $100,000 for initial transmission studies (refundable if unused).
– Financial commitments: Customers must provide security (e.g., bonds, prepayments) before utilities build transmission lines.

3. Grid Reliability Measures
– ERCOT can require large customers to curtail usage or activate backup power during emergencies.
– New demand-response program for loads over 75 MW to help prevent blackouts.

4. Net Metering Rules
– Companies pairing large new loads with existing generation (e.g., industrial solar) must get regulatory approval to ensure grid stability.

5. Transmission Cost Review
– The PUC must study whether current wholesale transmission pricing fairly allocates costs.

Effective Date:
– Immediately if passed by a 2/3 majority, otherwise September 1, 2025.

Impact:
– Large businesses: Higher upfront costs but clearer rules for connecting to the grid.
– Utilities: More certainty in recovering infrastructure expenses.
– ERCOT: Better tools to manage demand during emergencies.

This bill aims to balance economic growth with grid reliability while ensuring large users pay their fair share.

Why is this important?

We have experienced black out because of our failing power grid system and any added strain can affect us further. There is a very large AI data center and Tesla’s new battery factory that will/are currently being built in Texas. These will have a major impact on Texas’ energy grid, but this new law is designed to manage that impact. Here’s how:

1. How These Facilities Strain the Grid
– AI Data Centers
– Extremely power-hungry, some AI facilities use 100+ MW (equivalent to ~20,000+ homes).
– 24/7 operation with no flexibility, unlike factories, they can’t easily power down during shortages.
– Tesla Battery Factories
– Gigafactories (like Tesla’s in Austin) can require 200+ MW at full production.
– High demand for lithium processing, which is energy-intensive.

Result: If multiple such projects connect to the grid without planning, they could overwhelm local transmission lines and increase blackout risks.

Senate Bill – 4

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Senate Bill – 4 – Relating to an increase in the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district and the protection of school districts against certain losses in local revenue.

This bill increases the homestead exemption for school district property taxes from $100,000 to $140,000, contingent on voter approval of a constitutional amendment in November 2025.

This bill will require voter approval in November if it passes through legislature. Read the entire bill here.

This just a summery

Key Points:
1. Tax Relief for Homeowners
– Raises the school district homestead exemption by $40,000, reducing taxable value for homeowners.
– Effective: January 1, 2025 (if voters approve the amendment).

2. Protection for School Districts
– Provides state aid to offset lost revenue for districts impacted by the exemption increase.
– Ensures districts can still service debt (bonds) despite lower local tax revenue.

3. Transition Rules for 2025 Tax Year
– Provisional tax bills will be issued, reflecting the new exemption.
– If the amendment fails, supplemental tax bills will be sent to cover the difference.

4. Enforcement & Adjustments
– The Texas Education Agency (TEA) and local appraisal districts must adjust tax rates and aid calculations accordingly.
– Deadlines & safeguards are in place to ensure smooth implementation.

Impact:
– Homeowners: Lower property taxes if the amendment passes.
– School Districts: Guaranteed state aid to compensate for lost revenue.
– Tax Process: Temporary adjustments in 2025 until the amendment’s fate is decided.

This bill aims to balance tax relief for homeowners with financial stability for schools, pending voter approval.

House Bill – 17

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HB – 17 – Relating to the purchase of or acquisition of title to real property by certain aliens or foreign entities; creating a criminal offense.

This bill has only been filed as of March 30, 2025. Read the entire bill here

This Texas bill prohibits individuals and entities from certain foreign countries (China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia, plus others the governor may designate) from buying or acquiring real estate in Texas.

Key Points:
– Who’s Banned?
– Governments, companies, and individuals domiciled in designated countries.
– Companies controlled by these governments or citizens.
– Exceptions:
– U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and non-resident foreign citizens (if not from a banned country).
– Leasehold interests (rentals) are still allowed.
– Enforcement:
– The attorney general investigates violations and can force the sale of illegally acquired property.
– Violators face state jail felonies (for individuals) or fines up to $250,000 or 50% of the property’s value (for companies).
– Effective Date: September 1, 2025 (does not apply to property bought before then).

Purpose:
To restrict foreign influence and national security risks by preventing adversarial nations from owning Texas land.

 

House Bill – 9

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HB-9 – Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of tangible personal property a person owns that is held or used for the production of income.

This bill has passed the committee and now has to go through the House, Senate and then signed by the governor. So a lot can happen between now and then (update: March 30, 2025).

This will require voter approval in November 2025

This is summery, read the entire bill here

This bill proposes changes to property tax laws in Texas, contingent on a constitutional amendment, to provide relief for owners of tangible personal property used to produce income (e.g., business equipment, machinery, tools).

Key Provisions:

1. Tax Exemption Increase (Article 1 – Contingent on Constitutional Amendment)
– Current Law: Only exempts income-producing personal property valued at less than $2,500.
– Proposed Change: Increases the exemption to $250,000 of the appraised value.
– Effective: Applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2025, but only if voters approve the constitutional amendment in November 2025.

2. Rendering Requirements (Reporting for Taxation)
– Taxpayers must report (render) their income-producing personal property only if the total market value exceeds the $250,000 exemption in any taxing unit.

3. Transition Rules for 2025 Tax Year (Article 2 – Not Contingent on Amendment)
– Provisional Tax Roll: Appraisal districts must prepare provisional tax rolls for 2025, assuming the exemption is in effect.
– Tax Bills:
– If the amendment passes, the provisional tax bill becomes final, reflecting the lower tax amount.
– If the amendment fails, taxpayers will receive a supplemental tax bill for the difference.
– Tax Rate Calculations: Local governments must calculate tax rates as if the exemption applies, ensuring transparency in potential tax relief.

4. Voter Approval & Effective Dates
– The bill’s main tax exemption (Article 1) only takes effect if voters approve the constitutional amendment in November 2025.
– The procedural provisions (Article 2) take effect immediately (if passed by a 2/3 legislative majority) or by September 1, 2025.

Impact:
– Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs: Significant tax relief for owners of equipment, tools, and other income-generating property.
– Local Governments: Must adjust tax rolls and billing processes to account for the potential exemption.
– Taxpayers: Will see lower 2025 tax bills if the amendment passes, but may owe supplemental taxes if it fails.

This bill aims to reduce the tax burden on businesses while ensuring a smooth transition for tax authorities. The ultimate effect depends on voter approval of the constitutional amendment.

HB 402 – 2025 – Relating to the purchase of or acquisition of title to real property by certain aliens or foreign entities.

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

Please note that the following is my personal summary of the referenced bill. To review the full text, please visit their page here.

If this bill impacts you, make your voice heard by contacting your representatives via phone or email. Not sure who represents you, go to this site?

You can also use the 5 Calls app, which helps identify your representatives and provides a list of current bills along with scripts supporting or opposing them for your convenience.

HB 402 – 2025 – Relating to the purchase of or acquisition of title to real property by certain aliens or foreign entities.

This bill, titled “AN ACT relating to the purchase of or acquisition of title to real property by certain aliens or foreign entities,” aims to regulate the ownership of real property in Texas by foreign individuals or entities from countries deemed to pose a risk to U.S. national security. Here’s a summary of its key provisions:

Key Provisions:
1. Prohibition on Property Acquisition:
– The bill prohibits individuals or entities from “designated countries” (countries identified as national security risks by the U.S. Director of National Intelligence) from purchasing or acquiring title to certain types of real property in Texas.
– This includes:
– Agricultural land, mines, quarries, minerals, and standing timber.
– Entities headquartered in or controlled by governments or citizens of designated countries.
– Exceptions are made for:
– U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
– Real property intended for use as a **residence homestead**.
– Leasehold interests in land or improvements.

2. Enforcement by the Attorney General:
– The Texas Attorney General is authorized to enforce the law if there is a reasonable suspicion that a violation poses a risk to public health, safety, or welfare.
– The Attorney General can bring legal action in district court and conduct discovery to investigate ownership or control of entities involved in violations.

3. Divestiture and Receivership:
– If a court finds that real property was acquired in violation of the law, it must:
– Divest the individual or entity of their interest in the property.
– Appoint a receiver to manage and control the property pending its sale or disposition.

4. Amendments to Existing Law:
– The bill amends the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to allow courts to appoint receivers in cases involving violations of this law.
– It also amends the Property Code to clarify that aliens generally have the same property rights as U.S. citizens, except as restricted by this new subchapter.

5. Effective Date:
– The law applies to property purchases or acquisitions occurring **on or after September 1, 2025**.
– Purchases made before this date are governed by prior law.

Purpose:
The bill seeks to protect Texas real property, particularly agricultural land and resources, from being owned or controlled by foreign entities or individuals from countries identified as national security threats. It emphasizes state control over critical assets and ensures that such properties remain in the hands of entities aligned with U.S. interests.

Summary:
This legislation restricts foreign ownership of Texas real property by individuals or entities from designated countries, with enforcement mechanisms including divestiture and receivership. It balances property rights with national security concerns, while exempting U.S. citizens, lawful residents, and homestead properties. The law takes effect on **September 1, 2025**.

 

 

HB 371 – 2025 – Relating to the admission to public schools of children unlawfully present in the United States and the eligibility of those children for the benefits of the available school fund and Foundation School Program.

Posted on by Ali Palacios - Broker

Please note that the following is my personal summary of the referenced bill. To review the full text, please visit their page here.

If this bill impacts you, make your voice heard by contacting your representatives via phone or email. Not sure who represents you, go to this site?

You can also use the 5 Calls app, which helps identify your representatives and provides a list of current bills along with scripts supporting or opposing them for your convenience.

HB 371 – 2025 – Relating to the admission to public schools of children unlawfully present in the United States and the eligibility of those children for the benefits of the available school fund and Foundation School Program.

Summary of the Bill:

This bill, titled “An Act relating to the admission to public schools of children unlawfully present in the United States and the eligibility of those children for the benefits of the available school fund and Foundation School Program,” amends the Texas Education Code to address the admission of children unlawfully present in the United States to public schools and their eligibility for state education funding. Here are the key provisions:

Key Provisions:

1. Admission to Public Schools (Section 25.001):
– Eligibility for Admission:
– Generally, only U.S. citizens, nationals, or aliens lawfully present in the United States are entitled to the benefits of the available school fund and admission to public schools.
– However, a new provision (Subsection (b-3) allows school districts to admit children who are not U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawfully present aliens if:
1. The U.S. government has entered into an agreement with Texas to pay the cost of educating the child.
2. The child is otherwise eligible for admission under existing criteria (e.g., residency requirements).

– Proof of Eligibility:
– School districts may require evidence of U.S. citizenship, nationality, or lawful presence for admission.
– Districts are authorized to make reasonable inquiries to verify eligibility.

– Agency Responsibilities (Subsection (k):
– The Texas Education Agency (TEA) must seek an agreement with the U.S. government to reimburse the cost of educating children admitted under Subsection (b-3).
– If such an agreement is reached, the TEA will:
1. Require school districts to report enrollment data for these students.
2. Submit reimbursement requests to the U.S. government.
3. Distribute reimbursed funds to school districts.

2. Foundation School Program Eligibility (Section 48.003):
– Children who are not U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawfully present aliens are not eligible for benefits under the Foundation School Program unless they are admitted under Section 25.001(b-3) (i.e., with a U.S. government reimbursement agreement in place).

3. Effective Date:
– Applies beginning with the **2026-2027 school year**.
– Takes effect on **September 1, 2025**.

Impact of the Bill:
– Restricts Access to Public Education Funding:Children unlawfully present in the United States are no longer eligible for state education funding unless the U.S. government agrees to reimburse Texas for their education costs.
– Conditional Admission: School districts may admit unlawfully present children only if a federal reimbursement agreement is in place.
– Increased Verification Requirements: School districts are required to verify the immigration status of students and may deny admission to those who cannot prove lawful presence.
– Federal Reimbursement Mechanism: The bill shifts the financial burden of educating unlawfully present children to the federal government, contingent on an agreement being reached.

This bill reflects a broader effort to limit state resources for individuals unlawfully present in the United States while seeking federal support for their education costs. It aligns with ongoing debates about immigration and public benefits.