Texas: Meet your new laws
This is a preview of our Texas 2036 newsletter that takes a look at some of the bills passed during the regular session that become new laws on Sept. 1. To receive this weekly look at our work, sign up here.
Texas’ Newest Laws
On Friday, 774 bills passed by the Texas Legislature during the regular session earlier this year go into effect. Here’s what you should know.
By the numbers:
Laws investing in Texans:
Helping to optimize Texas’ historic budget surplus and address many of the state’s biggest challenges, here are a few of the Texas 2036-supported bills that are about to become law.
🏘 Housing: Engineers, building inspectors and third party reviewers will be able to review, approve or deny development documents, plans and permits if the municipality does not do so in a timely manner thanks to House Bill 14 by Rep. Cody Harris, R-Palestine, and Sen. Bettencourt, R-Houston.
💊 Health Care: A Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program will allow for the import of certain prescription drugs from Canada with the intent to provide savings to consumers without jeopardizing safety. HB 25 by Talarico, D-Austin, and Sen. Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, establishes this program.
⚡️ Energy: A Hydrogen Policy Council at the Railroad Commission will be created to study the development of the hydrogen industry in Texas, monitor regional applications for clean hydrogen hubs, and develop recommendations regarding the oversight and regulation of hydrogen by the Commission thanks to HB 2847 by Rep. Darby, R-San Angelo, and Sen. Sparks, R-Midland.
🚀 Space: A Texas Space Commission and the Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium will be established with HB 3447 by Rep. Bonnen, R-Friendswood, and Sen. Huffman, R-Houston.
💧 Water: The continuation and improved function of the Texas Water Development Board and continuation of the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas Advisory Committee results from HB 1565 by Rep. Canales, D-Edinburg, and Sen. Perry, R-Lubbock.
🚔 Law Enforcement: A reauthorization of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and implementation of a series of reforms to boost transparency and accountability among law enforcement will happen with Senate Bill 1445 by Sen. Paxton, R-McKinney, and Rep. Goldman, R-Fort Worth.
👉 Read more: Smart new water, energy laws take effect Sept. 1
Constitutional amendments: What’s on the ballot
Texas 2036 supported legislation during the regular session establishing new, constitutionally-dedicated funds for water infrastructure, state parks and broadband.
These pieces of legislation will be up for a vote on Nov. 7, when voters decide on a total of 14 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. Here’s a look at the full list of propositions.
👉 Learn more: Voters will get to decide on making generational investments in water infrastructure, state parks and broadband
It’s your turn, Texas 🧐
If you could write any law for the state, what would it be?
Share your bill ideas with us!
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