The 89th Legislature has finally adjourned. With only 140 days to address pressing issues every odd-numbered year, I take my responsibilities as a state senator seriously. Together with my colleagues, we worked to support our communities and strengthen the Texas economy. This session, I proudly passed 31 pieces of legislation, joint authored 111 bills that have been sent to the Governor, and secured millions in funding for important projects in the Rio Grande Valley and Coastal Bend regions.
When we began this session, key priorities were identified, including property tax relief, increasing teacher pay, and investing in water infrastructure. Governor Greg Abbott highlighted many of these as emergency items, while Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick added focuses on dementia research, artificial intelligence issues, and bail reform. Additionally, I worked on bills that addressed the specific needs of cities and counties in my district.
Several notable pieces of legislation passed this session:
Budget Bills: SB 1, the General Appropriations Act, is the state’s budget for the next two years. The approved budget is a total of $338 billion in All Funds and includes $149 billion in General Revenue Fund (state) dollars. The budget prioritizes public education, tax relief, public safety, infrastructure, and improved taxpayer services for both individuals and businesses while also making important investments to maintain Texas’ economic competitiveness. HB 500, the Supplemental Appropriations Act, adds an additional $13 billion to the current budget. Both SB 1 and HB 500 include significant investments for projects in the Rio Grande Valley and the Coastal Bend.
Property Tax Relief: SB 4 increased the exemption for residence homesteads from $100,000 to $140,000 for school district taxation. SB 23 further increases the homestead exemption for disabled homeowners and those aged 65 and older by raising that exemption from $10,000 to $60,000 which amounts to a $200,000 homestead exemption. Additionally, HB 9 provided a $125,000 exemption from ad valorem taxation on tangible personal property held or used for income production to support economic growth. These property tax relief proposals are subject to voter approval in November.
Increasing Public School Funding: HB 2, a historic $8.5 billion in additional funding for public schools, establishes funding allotments for several educational programs, including a permanent salary increase for teachers and certain school employees, free pre-k for children of teachers, millions for school safety, funding for teacher literacy initiatives, and more. This legislation ensures millions of dollars are allocated to enhance educational services, improve teacher preparation, and support early childhood education.
School Discipline: HB 6 is a comprehensive reform to school discipline management to address classroom disruptions, emphasizing student safety and mental health support. Students facing in-school suspension still complete schoolwork in a different classroom on school grounds. The bill clarifies that those students must be under the supervision of faculty. The bill would allow schools to use out-of-school suspensions to discipline all students when they engage in “repeated and significant” classroom disruption. The bill includes expanding access to telehealth services and introducing virtual disciplinary programs, ensuring accountability and parental involvement.
Funding Water Infrastructure: HJR 7 proposes a constitutional amendment to dedicate $1 billion per year of sales and use tax revenues to the Texas Water Fund for 20 years, starting in the 2028-29 Biennium. This funding will be allocated among the program delivery funds supported by the Water Fund through statute or concurrent resolution. Senate Bill 7 is linked to HJR 7 and will allocate a minimum of 50% of the Water Fund’s constitutionally dedicated funding to the New Water Supply for Texas Fund (NWSTF) and the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT). Additionally, it will enhance legislative oversight of the Texas Water Fund, improve statewide coordination of water supply infrastructure for better interoperability, clarify that the NWSTF can finance water imports from out-of-state, prioritize specific rural projects, protect freshwater aquifers, and preserve local control over in-state surface water rights. HJR 7 would still require approval by the voters through an election in November.
Drainage Infrastructure: SB 1967, which I authored and passed this session, paves the way for important funding opportunities for flood mitigation projects. The definition of a “flood project” has been changed to include projects that control and repurpose floodwater and stormwater for drinking and other uses to be eligible for funding from the Texas Water Development Board Flood Infrastructure Fund. The new law also authorizes projects that contain a flood component to be eligible for assistance from the State Water Implementation Fund and the Water Supply Account within the Water Loan Assistance Fund.
Bail Reform: SB 9 introduced stricter regulations to enhance public safety in bail procedures. This legislation mandates detailed reporting for pretrial programs and integrates public safety data systems to better track outcomes. SJR 5 proposes a constitutional amendment to require that bail be denied pending trial to a person accused of certain felony offenses. SJR 5 would still require approval by the voters through an election in November.
Addressing Deepfake Content: SB 20 creates a criminal offense for the possession or promotion of obscene AI-generated materials that resemble children. This law addresses the emerging challenges posed by technology to protect our youth. The offense would be a state-jail felony (180 days to two years in a state jail and an optional fine of up to $10,000), except that the offense would be enhanced for repeat offenders. This session, I authored and passed SB 441, which strengthens enforcement against the creation or distribution of deepfake media that falsely depicts individuals in sexually explicit situations without their consent. The bill also enhances criminal penalties for repeat offenders and those who target minors. It also provides clear legal remedies for victims facing the emotional and reputational harm of this exploitation.
Dementia Research Fund: SB 5 established the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to fund research on Alzheimer’s and other related disorders. SJR 3 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the funding for DPRIT. If approved by the voters in November, $3 billion from the state’s general revenue will be allocated to fund research, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation efforts related to dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and related disorders. DPRIT will award grants, support research institutions, and oversee the proper use of funds to advance therapies and prevention programs in Texas.
Life of the Mother Act: SB 31 does not expand abortion access but clarifies when doctors can exercise their medical judgment regarding life-threatening situations related to saving a pregnant mother’s life.
Firefighter and Wildfire Support: SB 34 mandates a study to assess wildfire risk zones and creates a real-time database of firefighting resources to improve response efforts during emergencies. The budget approved during the session includes $257 million for the purchase and operation of aircraft for wildfire suppression, $192.3 million to address the backlog for Fire Department Assistance, $124.8 million to cover the use of firefighting aircraft, and $135 million to the Texas Division of Emergency Management for regional operations facilities and emergency response support.
Rural Health Stabilization and Innovation Act: HB 18, known as the Rural Health Stabilization and Innovation Act, would establish or make changes to several offices, programs, and services that administer or provide health care services to rural counties of the state. HB 18 would build upon existing programs and initiatives aimed at supporting rural hospitals while providing resources for critical areas, including rural obstetrics, pediatric behavioral health, financial training for rural hospital leadership, and rural collaboratives.
Homeland Security: SB 36 established the Homeland Security Division within the Texas Department of Public Safety to enhance coordination across agencies for border security and critical infrastructure protection.
These legislative victories, backed by millions in funding for our communities, reflect our commitment to the people of Texas. By working together, across party lines and communities, we can continue to address the needs of our citizens and pave the way for a brighter future. I am proud of what we accomplished this session and look forward to building on this progress during the interim and the next legislative session in 2027.