(Photo: Office of Senator Hinojosa, 10/03/2025) L to R: Hidalgo County Criminal District Attorney Toribio “Terry” Palacios, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, and TDCAA Executive Director Shannon Edmonds.

On October 3rd, the Texas District & County Attorneys Association (TDCAA) honored Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa by presenting him with the prestigious Lone Star Award at a legislative update attended by over 100 local prosecutors and police officers in Edinburg. This award recognizes Senator Hinojosa’s dedication to improving Texas’s criminal justice system through important legislation, funding, and close collaboration with TDCAA leaders and members.

As the Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee and a member of the Senate Criminal Justice and Border Security Committees, Senator Hinojosa has been a leader and advocate on issues important to TDCAA. He has worked to increase compensation for district attorneys and assistant district attorneys, secured increased funding for the Border Prosecution Unit, and supported the passage of bail reform, strengthened human trafficking laws, and imposed criminal penalties on individuals, websites, and payment processors involved in producing or distributing nonconsensual AI-generated intimate visual material, among other important legislation. His efforts have provided prosecutors the resources and tools they need to keep communities safe.

“I appreciate the Texas District & County Attorneys Association Board of Directors for presenting me with the Lone Star Award. As an attorney, I have much respect for the work of our district and county attorneys, and I understand the importance of having a balanced judicial system that protects the constitutional rights of defendants while also keeping dangerous criminals behind bars. As a legislator, TDCAA has been a valuable resource throughout my years of working on criminal justice issues. I look forward to continuing to work with them to keep our communities safe,” said Senator Hinojosa.

In just a few weeks, Texans will have the opportunity to make their voices heard by voting on 17 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. These amendments cover a wide range of issues, making it important for us to take the time to educate ourselves and participate in this democratic process. Please note that Monday, October 6, is the last day to register to vote for this election. Early Voting runs from October 20 to October 31, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 4.

As your State Senator, I supported the passage of the resolutions calling for these propositions during the legislative session. I believe that each of these amendments has the potential to positively impact our state and its residents.

The information below consists of short summaries of each of the propositions.

For more information, the Texas Legislative Council has published the Analyses of Proposed Constitutional Amendments, which can be accessed via this link, https://www.tlc.texas.gov/docs/amendments/analyses25.pdf.

Proposition 1 – Funding for Texas State Technical College –Focuses on funding for infrastructure of Texas State Technical College’s facilities and education programs for a skilled workforce. This proposition would provide a dedicated source of funding for TSTC projects and educational programs that have historically received less state support than other institutions. The legislature appropriated $850 million to the Permanent Technical Institution Infrastructure Fund, contingent on voter approval.

Proposition 2 – Banning Capital Gains Tax –There is currently no capital gains tax in Texas, but voting in favor of Proposition 2 would prohibit the legislature from taxing an individual, family, estate, or trust on actual profits (“realized capital gains”) or potential profits (“unrealized capital gains”) from capital assets. This restriction would also apply to the tax on selling or transferring a capital asset. A capital asset can be almost anything you own for personal use or investments, including stocks, bonds, cryptocurrency, real estate, and collectibles. This constitutional amendment would not affect property taxes, sales taxes on retail sales of goods or services; or a use tax on storage, use or other consumption of goods or services purchased at retail. However, it will encourage business entities to organize as business trusts to avoid paying franchise taxes, as business trusts that sell assets for a gain would be subject to capital gains tax and would no longer be constitutional. The franchise tax is an annual tax imposed on most businesses for the privilege of operating in the state. A franchise tax is not a business income tax, which Texas does not have.

Proposition 3 – Bail Reform –Requires judges to deny bail in some cases when a person is accused of certain serious felony offenses. The felony offenses include murder, aggravated assault, aggravated sexual assault, indecency with a child, and human trafficking. This will occur after a hearing establishes that granting bail will be insufficient in preventing the person from failing to appear in court and that they pose a danger to the public.

Proposition 4 – Annual Funding for Texas Water Fund –Provides $1 billion to the Texas Water Fund each state fiscal year for the next 20 years. Studies show that $154 billion will be needed over the next 50 years to fully address the state’s water infrastructure needs. This amendment provides a dedicated funding source to help the state address those needs.

Proposition 5 – Property Tax Exemption for Animal Feed – Provides property tax relief for livestock producers by not collecting property taxes on animal feed kept for sale in stores.

Proposition 6 – Prohibits Tax on Occupations or Securities Transactions –Bans the creation of an occupation tax on stockbrokers, stock exchanges, and securities market operators. It will also prohibit the creation of taxes on securities transactions done by securities market operators.

Proposition 7 – Veterans’ Spouse Property Tax Exemption – Allows the surviving spouse of a veteran who passed away due to a service-connected illness or condition to receive a property tax exemption. Federal law deems service related conditions and diseases as those linked to toxins like Agent Orange, toxic burn pits, or radiation. This exemption would apply regardless of the date of the veteran’s death if the surviving spouse otherwise qualifies for the exemption. It would also allow the spouse to apply for an amount equal to the first homestead if the spouse moves to another home. If the surviving spouse remarries, they are no longer eligible for the exemption.

Proposition 8 – Inheritance Tax Ban – Prevents the state from creating a state tax on the property, transfer of estate, inheritance, legacy, succession, or gift that is passed down after someone dies. This prevents the state from taxing what the deceased person leaves to an individual, family, estate, or trust unless the tax was in effect on January 1, 2025.

Proposition 9 – Tangible Property Business Tax Exemption – Allows a tax exemption on $125,000 worth of tangible business-related items. This applies to items that are used for the production of income and includes office equipment, tools and supplies, and inventory. This assists businesses, small business, and self employed individuals by lessening the tax burden.

Proposition 10 – Tax Exemption for Property Destroyed by Fire – Temporary tax exemption on property that is destroyed by a fire but does not include the garage, barn, land, or any structures that were not destroyed. This exemption would be for the remainder of the tax year from when the fire occurred on any improvements to a residence’s home that is deemed uninhabitable for at least 30 days.

Proposition 11 – Property Tax Relief for an Elderly or Disabled Homeowner – This would increase the school district homestead exemption for property owners older than 65 years of age and disabled individuals from $10,000 to $60,000 off the value of their home. If this proposition and Proposition 13 are approved by the voters, it would result in a homestead exemption of up to $200,000 for the elderly or disabled homeowners. School districts would receive additional state revenue to compensate for any revenue the school districts would lose from this property tax relief.

Proposition 12 – Reforms to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct – Changes the way Texas reviews judges who are accused of misconduct. A majority of the members of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct would now consist of citizens appointed by the Governor. It allows private warnings to be given to judges only if they have never received one before or if the issue does not involve a crime. Clarifies the circumstance under which judges can be removed or suspended from office.

Proposition 13 – Additional School Property Tax Relief- Provides a school property tax break for homeowners by increasing the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000. School districts would receive additional state revenue to make up for any money loss as a result of this proposed amendment.

Proposition 14 – Dementia Prevention and Research Fund – Establishes the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, establishes funds for research on and prevention and treatment of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and related disorders. This would allocate $3 billion from the state’s budget to this fund. Of that, $300 million from that fund in the 20226-2027 biennium will be spent to help the institute run its programs.

Proposition 15 – Parental Rights – Affirms that parents are the main decision-makers for their children. This includes the responsibility to nurture, care, protect, and make decisions concerning the child’s upbringing.

Proposition 16 – Voters Must be U.S. Citizens – Clarifies that a voter must be a United States citizen.

Proposition 17 – Tax Relief for Property Owners with Border Security Infrastructure –Provides property tax relief for landowners in counties along the Texas-Mexico Border if border security structures such as a border wall, and related improvements are built on their land. The tax relief will only be for improvements made through agreements with the state or federal government or on an easement granted for border security to use.

Column by State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, September 2025

Across South Texas, families, farmers, and local leaders continue to face pressing water challenges. Persistent drought, aging infrastructure, and unreliable water deliveries from the Rio Grande and the historic low levels of water in our lakes in the Coastal Bend have strained regional water supplies. During the 89th Regular Legislative Session, the Texas Legislature passed several major initiatives to address the state’s long-term water infrastructure and supply needs.

A New Water Funding Framework: SB 7, HJR 7, and HB 500

One of the session’s most significant water policy accomplishments was the passage of a three-part funding package: Senate Bill 7 (SB 7), House Joint Resolution 7 (HJR 7), and House Bill 500 (HB 500).

The Texas Water Fund (TWF)—originally established with overwhelming voter support in 2023—is positioned to become the state’s central financing mechanism for water infrastructure and supply projects. Although the Legislature made a one-time $1 billion deposit in 2023 through SB 30, the fund lacked a stable long-term funding source.

To address that gap, SB 7 and HJR 7 were passed to propose a new constitutional amendment—Proposition 4—that will appear on the statewide ballot this November. If approved, the amendment would dedicate up to $1 billion in state sales tax revenue annually from 2027 to 2047 to the Texas Water Fund, representing a potential $20 billion investment over two decades. The amendment would also restrict the Legislature from altering the allocation formula for the first 10 years, providing additional certainty for long-term planning. At least half of the funds would be dedicated to developing new water supplies, with the remaining funds directed toward infrastructure improvements prioritized by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB).

SB 7 also expands the TWF’s flexibility by allowing transfers to existing TWDB programs, including the Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF), Economically Distressed Areas Program (EDAP), Agricultural Water Conservation Fund (AWCF), and New Water Supply for Texas Fund (NWSTF). It redefines eligible uses of the NWSTF to include reuse projects, acquisition of out-of-state water rights, reservoir development, and conveyance infrastructure.

To support these initiatives, HB 500 appropriates over $2.5 billion to TWDB—including an initial $1 billion deposit into the TWF—and additional funds for agency staffing, technical assistance, environmental permit coordination, and federal fund matching. Some local projects will also receive funding through HB 500. For example, in Nueces County, HB 500 appropriated $30 million for the Nueces River Ground Water Wells, $16 million for the Mary Rhodes Pipeline upgrades, and $4 million for the Nueces County Drainage District No. 2. In Hidalgo County, HB 500 appropriated $15 million for the Delta Region Water Management Project, $8 million for the City of Weslaco Water and Drainage Improvements, $5.3 million for the City of Alamo Lift Station upgrades, and $750,000 for the City of Penitas Lift Station. These investments will help ensure that the TWDB can administer expanded programs and respond to growing demand for water financing.

SB 1967: Unlocking New Supplies Through Floodwater Reuse

Another major policy shift came with the passage of Senate Bill 1967 (SB 1967), which I authored and passed with the support of Representative Mando Martinez. This bill expands eligibility under the Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF) to include multi-purpose flood mitigation projects that also generate new water supplies. Eligible projects may now include infrastructure to capture, divert, treat, and distribute stormwater, agricultural runoff, and treated wastewater for reuse.

This change directly benefits Hidalgo County, where the Delta Region Water Management Project, led by Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, aims to address both flooding and water scarcity. The project proposes a series of treatment facilities that collect and process stormwater and treated effluent to augment regional supplies. With $30 million already committed locally, SB 1967 now makes this dual-purpose model eligible for FIF grants and loans from the TWDB.

The bill also authorizes drainage districts—even those without retail water service—to qualify for financing through the Water Loan Assistance Fund (WLAF) if their projects include a water supply and flood mitigation component. To reflect this change, SB 1967 requires TWDB to revise its point system for project prioritization under SWIFT and the state water plan to ensure multi-purpose projects like these receive appropriate consideration.

These reforms help communities across Texas—particularly in the Valley—access new tools to address both flood control and water supply challenges together.

Other Measures to Promote Conservation

In addition to new funding mechanisms, the Legislature passed reforms to improve water conservation and system efficiency:

HB 29 requires large utilities (over 150,000 connections) to conduct annual water loss audits and implement mitigation plans. In South Texas, where aging infrastructure contributes to high leakage rates, this reform could reduce losses by up to 270,000 acre-feet annually—enough to supply 1.7 million Texans.

HB 517 prohibits homeowners’ associations from penalizing residents for brown or discolored lawns during drought-related watering restrictions, reinforcing conservation efforts in dry regions like the Rio Grande Valley.

A Step Forward, But Not the Last

While these legislative actions represent major progress, their success depends on timely implementation by state agencies and active participation from local governments. Voter approval of Proposition 4 in November is critical to ensuring the Texas Water Fund receives its long-term revenue stream.

These measures will not solve every challenge overnight. Texas faces an estimated $154 billion in water infrastructure needs over the next 50 years. But with new funding tools, broader project eligibility, and a clearer path to implementation, communities in South Texas and across the state are better positioned to improve water reliability, resilience, and access.

Water is life. And in this session, the Texas Legislature took practical, forward-looking steps to help secure it.

The First Called Special Session, which convened from July 21 to August 15, was initially called to address issues vetoed by Governor Greg Abbott at the end of the Regular Session in June. However, the agenda changed after President Donald Trump urged Texas to add five more Republican congressional seats and following the severe floods in Central Texas around the 4th of July weekend. The floods killed more than 130 people, including 27 girls and counselors at Camp Mystic located in Kerr County. The First Called Special Session ended without any bills passing due to a quorum break in the Texas House of Representatives, prompting Governor Abbott to call a Second Special Session. This second session began on August 15 and ended on September 4.

Overall, Governor Abbott had 26 topics on the agenda for the Second Called Special Session. A total of 408 bills were filed, and ultimately, 21 bills were passed and sent to Governor Abbott. Below is a summary of some of the bills that were passed during this special session.

Bills Passed During the Second Called Special Session:

HB 1 – Youth Camp Emergency Plans and Preparedness 

The Youth CAMPER Act sets emergency preparedness and safety standards for youth camps in Texas. It establishes a Youth Camp Safety Multidisciplinary Team to create minimum standards and requires camp operators to develop and submit detailed emergency plans for various situations. Compliance will be enforced through inspections, training, and licensing.

SB 1 – Campground and Youth Camp Safety 

The Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act improves camper safety by requiring youth camps to meet basic emergency preparedness standards, including developing and submitting safety plans, restricting the location of cabins in floodplains and hazardous areas, establishing evacuation protocols, and maintaining emergency equipment, such as reliable dual broadband internet connections for uninterrupted communication during emergencies. The bill also introduces enhanced training requirements for camp counselors, equipping them with knowledge of inclement weather and designated escape routes to enable them to flexibly pivot from standard practices when emergency conditions warrant a different course of action. Additionally, by establishing similar safety requirements for other types of recreational campgrounds, SB 1 improves the safety of campers across the state in a natural disaster.

SB 3 – Outdoor Warning Sirens 

This bill requires the installation and maintenance of outdoor warning sirens in Texas areas prone to flash flooding, as identified by the Texas Water Development Board. It establishes a grant program through the Governor’s Office to assist local governments with costs associated with these sirens and sets rules for their operation and testing. The goal is to improve public safety by providing timely alerts to residents in flood-prone areas.

SB 5 – Relief Funding for Hill Country 

This bill allocates more than $280 million in funds from the economic stabilization fund for various programs under the Governor’s Office and the Department of State Health Services. These funds will enhance disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts, including matching federal disaster funds, local grants for flood warning systems, and improvements in meteorological forecasting.

SB 18 – Maintaining Texas Dams (Vetoed by the Governor on 9/17)

This bill exempts certain dams or reservoirs, managed by qualified local sponsors, from needing a permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) if they control erosion, floodwater, and sediment and have a normal storage capacity of no more than 200 acre-feet. It allows sponsors to construct, maintain, and divert water from these sites without a permit, provided they meet specific criteria, and requires TCEQ to adopt rules by April 1, 2026.

HB 20 – Preventing Fraudulent Charitable Solicitations During Disasters 

The Disaster Scam Response Act creates a designation program for nonprofits and financial institutions to be recognized for soliciting disaster relief donations during declared disasters. The Texas Secretary of State will establish and administer the designation program. The bill also creates criminal offenses and increases penalties for fraudulent solicitations and theft related to disasters, including malicious solicitation of victims. Additionally, the Act allows victims and donors to recover damages from dishonest solicitors.

HB 8 – STAAR Exam Replacement 

This bill mandates the transition of Texas public school assessments from the STAAR program to a new supportive assessment program by the 2027-2028 school year. Three new, shorter assessments taken throughout the year will replace the STAAR test. The new test will be divided into beginning-, middle-, and end-of-year assessments for reading and math in grades three through eight, science in grades five and eight and social studies in eighth grade. The bill also would provide greater transparency regarding standardized tests and the public school accountability system. By requiring the results of the assessments to be provided within 48 hours, the bill would help parents and teachers know when students are struggling without having to wait months for results.

SB 11 – Protecting Human Trafficking Victims 

This bill provides an affirmative defense for individuals prosecuted for certain offenses if they were victims of trafficking or coercion. It establishes criteria for when this defense applies, ensures that the conduct was compelled, and clarifies evidentiary standards. The bill applies to offenses committed after its effective date.

SB 16 – Stopping Title Theft and Deed Fraud 

This bill establishes offenses for real property theft and fraud, defining penalties and procedures for prosecution. It mandates recording requirements for judgments related to these offenses, requires identification for recording property documents, and outlines restitution obligations for those convicted. The bill enhances protections for vulnerable populations and nonprofits while introducing measures for law enforcement notification and lien fraud prevention.

HB 16 – Court Omnibus Bill 

This bill focuses on reforms in juvenile justice, court-ordered mental health services, judicial district organization, and procedural rules for civil and criminal cases. It limits the detention of children, modifies criteria for court-ordered mental health treatment, and establishes new judicial districts. The bill also includes provisions for exemptions from grand jury service and protections for the personal information of public officials and law enforcement personnel.

In Hidalgo County, this bill creates Probate Court No. 2 of Hidalgo County and removes the $750,000 statutory cap in civil cases filed in the Hidalgo County Courts at Law.

HB 4 – Changes to Congressional District Boundaries 

This bill redraws congressional districts in Texas based on 2020 Census data, overriding previous districting laws. It specifies the geographic boundaries for each district and sets them to take effect for the 2026 elections. The bill includes provisions for courts to interpret any omissions according to legislative intent and repeals prior laws regarding congressional districts.

SB 12 – Attorney General Authority to Prosecute Election Crimes 

This bill grants the attorney general the ability to prosecute election fraud in Texas, bypassing constitutional restrictions on this authority. Prosecution of such cases has traditionally been the responsibility of local district attorneys, a practice upheld in a recent ruling.

SB 54 – Update to Voter Registration Procedures 

This bill modifies procedures concerning voter registration and address changes. It allows voters who move within the same county to vote in their previous precinct if they meet certain requirements. The bill also changes the effective date for registration updates and removes a provision related to immediate changes.

HB 18 – Prohibit Lawmakers from Fundraising During Quorum Break 

This bill prohibits Texas legislators from accepting contributions that exceed daily per diem limits during an ‘impeding absence’—an unexcused absence outside the state that hinders legislative proceedings. It establishes procedures for returning prohibited contributions, imposes civil penalties for violations, and outlines enforcement through legislative officers and district courts.

SB 8 – Bathroom Regulations for Government Buildings 

The Texas Women’s Privacy Act requires state agencies and political subdivisions to designate certain private spaces for exclusive use by individuals of one biological sex and sets strict penalties for violations. It mandates that the Texas Department of Criminal Justice house inmates according to their biological sex and restricts family violence shelters for females to serve only women and their minor children. The Act establishes a civil penalty system, a private right of action for affected individuals, and limits judicial review related to enforcement.

HB 25 – Over-the-Counter Ivermectin

This bill authorizes a pharmacist to dispense ivermectin to a person without requiring a prescription order from a licensed health care practitioner. The pharmacist would have to act in accordance with any written standardized procedures or protocols issued by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, including, if required, providing the person with instructions on the proper use of ivermectin. The bill specifies that a pharmacist acting in a reasonably prudent manner would not be criminally or civilly liable or subject to professional disciplinary action for dispensing ivermectin in accordance with the bill.

HB 7 – Limiting the Use of Abortion Pills

This bill creates a new enforcement mechanism for the state’s strict abortion ban, by allowing regular citizens to file civil lawsuits against anyone who ships abortion pills into Texas or who otherwise distributes the pills within the state. The bill would allow lawsuits against out-of-state doctors who prescribe or ship abortion pills, family and friends who help a woman obtain abortion pills and others.

Last week, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) approved a $500,000 grant from the state’s General Revenue Fund to the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 for continued work on the Raymondville Drain Project. The funding is authorized under Rider No. 21 of the General Appropriations Act for the 2024–25 Biennium passed in the 88th Legislative Session. Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, author of the rider, designated these funds specifically for this purpose, allowing the TWDB to allocate these dollars directly to the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 without requiring participation in other TWDB financing programs.

The Raymondville drain outfall system currently serves a watershed of more than 1,600 square miles, stretching from Edinburg Lake in Hidalgo County to the Laguna Madre in Willacy County. Originally designed to handle agricultural runoff from storm events with a 9.5-year recurrence interval, the system has been overwhelmed during major storms due to the region’s extraordinary population growth, resulting in repeated flooding.

The Raymondville Drain Project, authorized under the federal Water Resources Development Act of 1986 and developed in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will create a 60-mile drainage channel system to provide an alternate conveyance route for stormwater in Hidalgo County and improved drainage for northern Willacy County. The full $418 million project is divided into six major phases to be constructed as funding becomes available.

Planned improvements include:

·     Construction of 14+ miles of new drainage channels

·     Upgrades to approximately 40 miles of existing channels

·     Building a 250-acre detention lake south of Edinburg International Airport

·     Installation of multiple weirs, bridges, and flood control structures

State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“This $500,000 award is another important step forward in protecting our communities from flooding and improving drainage infrastructure for the future. Session after session, I have authored and protected this rider in the budget, and I appreciate the TWDB for taking action to provide these funds to the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1. This project will provide long-term benefits to residents across Hidalgo and Willacy Counties by reducing flood risks, protecting property, and supporting the region’s continued growth.”

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa is pleased to announce that the Texas Transportation Commission has awarded the Port of Corpus Christi a grant of $3,357,868 for the reconstruction of the Mike Carrell roadway and to extend the right turn lane at the intersection of Mike Carrell and the Joe Fulton Corridor.

As vice chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Hinojosa has been a strong advocate for funding maritime ports. “Our maritime ports are the lifeblood of the Texas economy, and the Port of Corpus Christi, as the nation’s largest energy export gateway and the third-largest export port for crude oil in the world, plays a key role in our state’s economic success,” said Senator Hinojosa.

The funding for the grants comes from SB 1, the General Appropriations Act, which included $40 million for the Port Access Improvement Grant Program to improve connectivity to Texas ports. Projects are selected by the Port Authority Advisory Committee and approved by the Texas Transportation Commission.

“This grant, along with the $1.2 million local match from the Port, will accelerate the completion of this important project to further support the Port and its customers,” said Senator Hinojosa. “I appreciate the leadership of Chairman David Engel and am thankful to all Port staff for their tireless work and dedication. I will continue advocating and supporting the Port of Corpus Christi and I look forward to seeing the positive impact of this investment.”

Yesterday, Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick issued statements indicating that the Senate and House will sine die on Friday, August 15, 2025, ending the First Called Special Session. Governor Abbott also announced that he would immediately call the Legislature back into session on the same day to begin the Second Called Special Session with the same agenda.

In light of the statement from the Governor and Lt. Governor, when Senate Bill (SB) 4, which changes the Texas Congressional district boundaries, was brought up for debate, 9 of the 11 Senate Democrats left the Senate Chamber. However, Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini and Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa chose to remain in the chamber to cast a vote against SB 4.

Dean Zaffirini and Senator Chuy Hinojosa issued the following statement regarding their decision to stay in the Senate Chamber:

“We respect the decisions of the nine Democratic senators who left the Senate to support the House Democrats. By breaking quorum, 55 state representatives met their goal of preventing passage of the untimely, unfair Congressional redistricting bill and making it a national issue.

Having spent 45 days in New Mexico in 2003, however, we learned that quorum breaks can delay but not defeat this effort. Legislators cannot stay away forever, and the Governor will call as many special sessions as needed to prevail. Our greatest hope is at the courthouse, and the sooner we get there, the better.

We stayed in the Senate to question the author and to speak out in opposition. Most important, we made a record of voting against the bill. When it became obvious that redistricting would be argued anew during the second special session expected to convene on Friday, we reserved our right to raise questions and to make opposing statements at that time.”

Redistricting is one of the most important and partisan tasks legislators undertake every ten years, occurring after the completion of the federal census. With the last census in 2020, I had the privilege of serving as Vice Chair of the Senate Redistricting Committee in 2021, when we passed the current maps for congressional and state districts. The maps were designed to remain in effect for a decade until the next census in 2030. It is important to note that in 2021, Republicans controlled both the Texas House and Senate, as they do today. But now, under the current federal administration, we face partisan pressure to redraw our congressional districts.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Justice sent a letter to Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton informing them that three districts in Houston and one in Fort Worth are deemed “unconstitutional ‘coalition districts’” due to their composition. Coalition districts are primarily made up of minority voters who often vote together.

During a federal lawsuit challenging the current maps, Republican leadership argued that the maps were drawn “race blind.” However, when Governor Abbott called for a special legislative session starting July 21 to redraw the maps again, in his proclamation he referenced the DOJ letter and stated that race had been improperly considered in shaping at least four majority-minority districts held by Democrats. Ironically, Governor Abbott approved this map when he signed Senate Bill 6 into law in 2021, the very legislation he now suggests is unconstitutional.

I voted against SB 6 because I believed the map undermined minority voting strength and lacked competitiveness. I proposed an amendment to SB 6 with the purpose of making Congressional Districts 15 and 34 more competitive, allowing candidates to campaign and persuade voters as to why they should be the Congress person representing them in the Rio Grande Valley.

At the time, my amendment was based on the vote percentages from the 2020 presidential election results with Congressional District 15, based out of Hidalgo County, being drawn with Democrats at 50.8% and Republicans at 48.2%. For Congressional District 34, based out of Cameron County, I proposed Democrats at 51.8% and Republicans at 47.1%, making both congressional districts extremely competitive. Unfortunately, Republicans opposed my amendment, citing potential negative impacts on political dynamics and increased litigation risks. As a result, the amendment failed along partisan lines with a 13-18 vote.

This is not the first time Republicans have modified maps in the middle of the decade to change the rules before an election. In 2003, when Democrats held a majority of congressional seats despite Republicans controlling the Legislature, then-U.S. House GOP Leader Tom DeLay pressured state lawmakers to abandon the maps drawn in 2001 and create new ones designed to help President George W. Bush and secure a Republican majority in Congress. However, this time, the situation is even more alarming. Republicans are redrawing maps created by fellow Republicans under direct pressure from the President of the United States, who aims to retain Republican control in Congress following the 2026 elections. This move is a clear expression of a raw political power grab.

The Trump administration is leveraging their influence to push for maps that serve their interest in the short term. They are using the DOJ to question minority “coalition districts” when according to the Texas Demographic Center, white residents comprise less than 40% of the Texas population, yet attempts are being made to draw a map that would allow white voters to dictate 28 to 30 of Texas’s 38 congressional seats. This maneuver not only risks further marginalizing minority voters but will also set the stage for lengthy and costly litigation that will burden Texas taxpayers for years to come.

Just like we did four years ago, it is important for the public to stay informed and engage in the redistricting process. Participation in the upcoming hearings is very important. We must voice our regional issues and concerns to the redistricting committees in the House and the Senate. The Senate Committee on Redistricting will begin public hearings on July 25, and, like in 2021, these hearings will be held virtually to allow public testimony via Zoom videoconference. The House Redistricting Committee will begin hearings on July 24 in Austin.

Engaging in these hearings or submitting written testimony is an opportunity for voters to express their views on the congressional maps. Each of us is impacted by the decisions made during this special session. We must speak up to ensure our voices are heard. Voters should elect their representatives, not representatives cherry-picking their voters.

# # #

SENATE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING REGIONAL HEARING DATES AND FOCUS AREAS

July 25, 2025 – 10am https://bit.ly/457XpuG

Regional focus: South and Central Texas including Bexar County, Travis County and the Rio Grande Valley regions

July 26, 2025 – 10am https://bit.ly/4mbxlFU

Regional focus: North Texas including the Dallas-Fort Worth region

 July 28, 2025 – 3pm https://bit.ly/4o2pR9Q

Regional focus: East Texas including the Harris County region

 July 29, 2025 – 9am https://bit.ly/40YGtoY

Regional focus: West Texas including the Panhandle and El Paso regions

Live streaming of the regional hearings is available here: https://senate.texas.gov/events.php

To submit written comments and attachments via the public-input portal, please visit the committee’s website at https://senate.texas.gov/redistrictingcomment/

Within a few days after conclusion of the regional hearing, a video archive of the hearing will be available at the following link: https://senate.texas.gov/cmte.php?c=660#vide

*All testimony is welcome at any hearing, regardless of the regional focus. Pursuant to Senate Resolution 5 (89th (1)), public testimony at these regional hearings will be by Zoom videoconference only. Details on how to register to testify appear in the publicly posted notice of each of these regional hearings.

QUICK LINKS

Who Represents Me?:

https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/

View Proposed Redistricting Maps:

https://dvr.capitol.texas.gov/

View Redistricting Data:

https://data.capitol.texas.gov/

Learn More About Redistricting:

https://redistricting.capitol.texas.gov/

On Saturday, State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, and the Coastal Bend legislative delegation joined the Texas Department of Transportation and the community of Corpus Christi for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating the new bridge. With a main span length of 1,661 feet and a total span length of 3,295 feet, this bridge is now the largest cable-stayed bridge in the United States, featuring towers that reach 538 feet— surpassing One Shoreline Plaza by over 100 feet. This impressive height makes it the tallest point in South Texas, capable of housing the old Harbor Bridge beneath it.

For more than two decades, Senator “Chuy” Hinojosa has been instrumental in working with TxDOT and local stakeholders to secure funding for the Harbor Bridge Replacement Project, which ended up costing about $1.2 billion.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“It has been a privilege to be part of the process of replacing the Harbor Bridge from start to finish. This monumental undertaking was made possible through the collaboration of the port, industry leaders, the business community, government officials, and the dedicated citizens of Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend.

I was honored to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebrate with the Coastal Bend community. We broke ground on this $1.2 billion project nine years ago, and it was a special moment to be among the first to drive on the new bridge.

The completion of the new bridge complements the Port of Corpus Christi’s recently completed Channel Improvement Project, which deepened the ship channel from 47 feet to 54 feet and widened it from 400 feet to 530 feet. With a vertical clearance of 205 feet above water, the new bridge allows the Inner Harbor to accommodate larger vessels and tankers needed by port customers. As the nation’s leading oil exporter and the fourth-largest port by total tonnage, the Port of Corpus Christi is well-positioned for further growth.

Together, our community, along with our state and federal partners, has forged a legacy that will provide growth and opportunity for generations to come. The new bridge is not just a structure; it symbolizes our commitment to progress, prosperity, and a bright future for Corpus Christi. Just as the Harbor Bridge initiated our economic transformation, this new bridge will pave the way for even greater achievements ahead.

Today is the beginning of a new chapter for the Coastal Bend. As we move forward, let us continue to work together to build a prosperous future and ensure that the legacy of this new bridge reflects the strength and resilience of our community. Thank you to all who made this historic project a reality.”

Since I took office as your State Senator in 2003, replacing the Harbor Bridge has been a top priority. Back then, we were still assessing the feasibility of a new bridge to replace the Harbor Bridge, which opened on October 23, 1959. While the Harbor Bridge improved traffic flow and allowed the Port of Corpus Christi to thrive by enhancing ship navigation, the city’s population had grown from about 167,000 to an estimated 277,000 by 2002. The “Napoleon’s Hat” bridge had ushered in an era of economic growth for Corpus Christi, but to sustain this growth and continue prospering, a new bridge was needed. The call for action was strong, yet the journey toward a replacement bridge required immense work and time.

In 2002, pushback from various stakeholders emerged regarding the need for a taller bridge, along with significant concerns about costs and funding. Over the next few years, TxDOT began engineering and environmental studies, initiating coordination with stakeholders to address these concerns.

By 2005, TxDOT and the Federal Highway Administration announced the project, but funding remained a critical issue. Several ideas, including managed lanes and toll strategies, were explored, but the project was put on hold in December 2007 due to funding constraints at TxDOT.

Despite this setback, the community remained committed to making this project a reality. In January 2009, I was appointed vice chair of the Senate Finance Committee, where I continued to push TxDOT leadership for action. In September 2009, we revived the project, and after two more years of planning, an agreement was reached with TxDOT that eliminated the need for tolling.

In early 2011, under the leadership of Texas Transportation Commission Chair Deirdre Delisi, TxDOT agreed to allocate $500 million for the bridge, contingent on our ability to raise $100 million in local matching funds. At that time, Corpus Christi faced an $11.5 million deficit and over $1 billion in necessary street repairs. Yet, visionary leaders from the city, including then-Mayor Joe Adame, Nueces County Judge Loyd Neal, and prominent business figures recognized the potential benefits for the community to replacing the Harbor Bridge and committed to making progress.

One of these leaders was Judy Hawley, former Chair of the Port Corpus Christi Commission, who recognized the bridge’s importance for our future. She played a key role in advocating for and securing the local matching funds, working alongside the Port of Corpus Christi, the Corpus Christi MPO, the City of Corpus Christi, and Nueces and San Patricio Counties to contribute funds or land.

In 2012, the Texas Transportation Commission reaffirmed their commitment during a visit to Corpus Christi. By 2013, TxDOT confirmed the funding needed to complete the project, and I made securing additional resources a priority. I successfully included the Harbor Bridge project in Senate Bill 1730, which authorized TxDOT to enter into a comprehensive development agreement, allowing for expedited development through a public-private partnership.

In June 2013, the Texas Transportation Commission committed an additional $601 million in state funding, making the project fully funded. In 2015, TxDOT selected Flatiron/Dragados, a joint venture, to lead the design and replacement project. On August 8, 2016, I had the honor of joining Governor Greg Abbott, Texas Transportation Commission Chairman Tryon Lewis, and other public officials at the groundbreaking ceremony. Fast forward to today, we now have a completed bridge. At the end of the project, due to unforeseen challenges and increased costs, the project ended up costing $1.2 billion.

The new bridge now stands as the largest cable-stayed bridge in the United States, with towers reaching 538 feet, surpassing One Shoreline Plaza by over 100 feet. This makes it the tallest point in all of South Texas, capable of housing the old bridge beneath it. The new structure addresses traffic, safety, and navigation issues and will significantly boost our regional economy.

The bridge will also enhance maritime traffic, complementing the newly completed Port of Corpus Christi’s Channel Improvement Project, which deepened the ship channel from 47 feet to 54 feet and widened it from 400 feet to 530 feet. Now, with a vertical clearance of 205 feet above water, the new bridge allows the Inner Harbor to accommodate larger vessels and tankers needed by Port customers. Given its status as the nation’s leading oil exporter and the fourth-largest port in total tonnage, the Port of Corpus Christi is well-positioned for even further growth.

This monumental undertaking could not have been possible without collaboration among the port, industry leaders, the business community, government officials, and the dedicated citizens of Corpus Christi. It has been a privilege to have been part of this process from the beginning to the end. I have been joined every step of the way by Texas House of Representatives Chairman Todd Hunter and former Representative Abel Herrero.

I extend my gratitude to all contributors, including Nueces County Judge Connie Scott and former Judges Loyd Neal and Barbara Canales; San Patricio County; City of Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo and former Mayors Joe Adame, Nelda Martinez, and Joe McComb; Port of Corpus Christi Chairman David Engel and former Chairs Judy Hawley, Ruben Bonilla, and Charlie Zahn; the Corpus Christi MPO; TxDOT District Engineer Mike Walsh and former DE’s Chris Caron and Valente Olivarez; the Texas Transportation Commission Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr., and former Chairmen Deirdre Delisi, Ted Houghton, and Tryon Lewis; Senator John Cornyn; Governor Abbott; and many others.

Together, we have forged a legacy that will provide growth and opportunity for generations to come. The new bridge is not just a structure; it symbolizes our relentless commitment to progress, prosperity, and a future that shines bright for Corpus Christi. Just as the Harbor Bridge marked the beginning of our economic transformation, this new bridge will pave the way for even greater achievements ahead.