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

The recent decision by the U.S. Department of Justice to challenge Texas’ policy allowing Dreamers — undocumented students who came to the United States as children and have lived in our country, many for most of their lives — to pay in-state tuition is not just a bad legal move; it goes against the values we cherish as Americans. In a state known for its commitment to opportunity, growth, and strong values, we should be supporting our young people, not pushing them away.

Since 2001, Texas has been a leader by letting undocumented students access in-state tuition if they meet certain requirements. This policy, started by former Governor Rick Perry, has opened doors for thousands of students who contribute to our communities. At the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), which I represent, this decision will take away affordable education from over 800 Dreamers.

The financial difference is shocking: at UTRGV, the cost for in-state tuition for one semester is $4,993.20, while the non-Texas resident tuition is nearly double at $9,913.20. For a whole year, in-state tuition is $9,986.40 versus $22,136 for non-Texas residents. This isn’t just a few dollars; it’s a real barrier for many families. If Dreamers lose in-state tuition, they will be treated like out of state students and will likely not be able to afford college.

The effects of this change go far beyond just these students. Taking away in-state tuition will keep many talented people from finishing their degrees or even attending college, hurting Texas in the long run. College graduates are important for our families and communities, and they help our economy grow, filling key jobs in areas like healthcare, education, and technology.

Research shows that ending in-state tuition could cost Texas about $461 million a year in economic activity—this includes $244.4 million in lost wages and $216.9 million in reduced spending. These outcomes will hurt businesses and communities across our state and weaken our economy.

Attorney General Ken Paxton claims this law is “un-American.” I strongly disagree. This policy reflects our commitment to hard work and the belief that those who contribute to our state deserve opportunities to succeed. Supporting education for these students is not only good for them but also for the future of Texas.

This decision weakens the community spirit that defines us as Texans. When we work toward a better future, we must lift each other up. Supporting in-state tuition for undocumented students aligns with our values and shows our commitment to a brighter future for our state. To do anything else would indeed be un-American.

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.

On Saturday, May 31st, the Texas Senate approved the final version of Senate Bill (SB) 1, the General Appropriations Act (budget bill) for the 2026-27 biennium. This bill was authored by Senator Joan Huffman, Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. On May 27th, the Senate also approved House Bill 500, the Supplemental Appropriations Bill, also led by Senator Huffman. Both bills are now headed to Governor Greg Abbott for final approval. Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa serves as the Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“I was proud to vote for Senate Bill 1, the state budget for the next two years. When we began the budget process earlier this year, the All Funds budget, including federal funds, was $332.9 billion. The budget we passed today has grown to $338 billion. This figure includes $149 billion in General Revenue Fund (state) dollars.

Our approved 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.

Throughout the session, public education funding has been a top priority. This budget allocates an additional $8.5 billion to provide a much-needed permanent pay raise for teachers, librarians, janitors, food service staff, and other support personnel. SB 1 provides resources for school safety, makes significant investments in special education, and allows schools greater flexibility in utilizing increased funding from the basic allotment.

Property tax relief was another priority. This budget adds $10 billion from the introduced bill for property tax relief, bringing the total tax relief package to $51 billion for the upcoming biennium. These funds will allow for an increase in the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000 for all homeowners, with an additional $60,000 exemption for homeowners over 65 and disabled homeowners, contingent upon voter approval of the constitutional amendments in November.

The budget also includes the following significant investments: $40 billion for the Texas Department of Transportation, $10.8 billion for higher education formula funding, $6.4 billion for the state contribution to the Teacher Retirement System, $5 billion for the Texas Energy Fund, $3 billion to establish the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, $850 million for a Texas State Technical College endowment fund to support capital projects, $304 million for the Graduate Medical Education Expansion program, and $100 million for grants for farmers. These are just a few examples of the investments included in the budget.

In addition to SB 1, the Legislature recently finalized HB 500, the Supplemental Appropriations bill, which is also on its way to the Governor’s desk. Key highlights include: $2.5 billion for water infrastructure and related grants, $131.3 million to access matching federal funds, $1.3 billion for the Texas University Fund, $350 million for the Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Fund, $250 million for semiconductor initiatives, $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, $135 million to the Texas Division of Emergency Management for regional operations facilities and emergency response support, $369.2 million to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) for the benefit of TRS-ActiveCare, and more.

These balanced budgetary decisions reflect our commitment to investing in Texas’ future, ensuring the continued growth and prosperity of our communities.”

Both SB 1 and HB 500 include significant investments for projects in the Rio Grande Valley and the Coastal Bend including:

Public Safety/Emergency Response/Military Support

·     $110.2 million for Grants for Local Border Security

·     $34.5 million for Anti-Gang Programs

·     $30 million for Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grants to military defense impacted communities.

·     $3 million for Grants for Border Zone Fire Departments

Transportation

·     $10 million for South Texas International Airport in Edinburg

·     $18 million to Weslaco Airport for Hangar and Runway Expansion

·     $40 million for Port Access Improvements grants.

Education

·     $351 million for UTRGV General Academics

·     $97 million for UTRGV School of Medicine

·     $154 million for Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi

Water Infrastructure

·     $15 million for Delta Region Water Management Project in Hidalgo County

·     $30 million for Nueces River Ground Water Wells

·     $16 million for Mary Rhodes Pipeline Upgrades

·     $4 million for Nueces County Drainage District #2

·     $5.3 million for City of Alamo Lift Station Upgrades

·     $8 million for City of Weslaco Water and Drainage Improvements

·     $750,000 City of Penitas Lift Station

Parks and Economic Development:

·     $30 million for the Ritz Theater in Corpus Christi

·     $5 million for Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen

·     $2 million for Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi

·     $1 million for the City of Pharr All-Abilities Park

·     $1 million for Sullivan City Park Upgrades

·     $1 million for City of Granjeno Park

·     $1 million for City of Alton Park

·     $1 million for City of La Joya Parks

Once approved by the Governor, items funded in SB 1 will take effect September 1, 2025. Items funded in HB 500 become effective as soon as the Governor signs the bill.

City of Corpus Christi Entitlement Could Total $177 Million Over 30 Years

The Texas Legislature has approved a priority legislative request from the City of Corpus Christi, pending final approval from Governor Greg Abbott. In 2023, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, alongside the Coastal Bend legislative delegation, passed House Bill 5012, which allowed for the creation of a Project Finance Zone (PFZ) around the American Bank Center. This PFZ authorized the City to retain 4% of the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) from hotels within a three-mile radius of the American Bank Center to fund improvements and expansions of the convention center.

As of 2023, the only cities authorized to designate PFZs are Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi. Cities receive incremental hotel-associated revenues from hotels located within the three-mile radius for a 30-year period.

On December 10, 2024, the Corpus Christi City Council acted to create Corpus Christi PFZ #1, centered on the American Bank Center and covering a three-mile radius. However, unlike the five other cities authorized to establish a PFZ, 56.74 percent of Corpus Christi’s PFZ #1 (16.04 square miles) is located in the Gulf of Mexico, where no hotels exist. In response, Senator Hinojosa and Representative Denise Villalobos filed SB 1250 and HB 2877 during this legislative session to address this issue.

Senator Hinojosa stated, “Unfortunately, the fish in the Gulf do not pay hotel taxes. To maximize the benefit of this PFZ, we needed legislation to fix the boundaries and capture more hotels, which will increase the funding available for planned improvements at the American Bank Center. The passage of House Bill 2313, which was amended to include the language to adjust Corpus Christi’s PFZ, is a significant victory for the City of Corpus Christi.” He added, “The American Bank Center is a great venue, and these upgrades will attract more events to the Convention Center, Selena Auditorium, and the Arena, bringing more tourists and business to our community.”

According to the Legislative Budget Board, for the first five years after the new zone designation authorized by this bill, estimated state tax revenue entitlements are expected to increase by almost 90%, rising from $6.7 million to $12.7 million. Over the 30-year life of the zone, the estimated entitlement to state tax revenue is projected to grow from $94.1 million to $177.5 million.

“I appreciate the leadership of Mayor Paulette Guajardo, the members of the City Council, and city staff for their tireless efforts in educating legislators about the importance of this legislation,” said Senator Hinojosa. “Teamwork is important for getting any bill passed during the session. I also thank Representative Denise Villalobos, Chairman Todd Hunter, Senator Perry and Representative Tepper for their work in passing HB 2313.”

Yesterday, the Texas Senate granted final passage to significant pieces of legislation that will help reduce the burden of rising property taxes on Texas homeowners: Senate Bill 4/Senate Joint Resolution 2 and Senate Bill 23/Senate Joint Resolution 85. Authored by Senator Paul Bettencourt and joint-authored by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, these bills will increase the school district homestead tax exemption.

SB 4/SJR 2 will raise the homestead tax exemption from $100,000 to $140,000. Additionally, SB 23/SJR 85 provides an increased homestead tax exemption for disabled homeowners and those aged 65 and older, raising it from $10,000 to $60,000.

Both measures ensure that school districts will not face funding losses from the higher homestead exemptions, as the state will compensate for the difference through general revenue under the new state aid formulas. If approved by voters in November, these exemptions will apply to property taxes for the current year.

Senator Chuy Hinojosa stated, “Rising property taxes are a pressing concern for Texans and a top priority for Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and the Texas Senate. Over the past decade, we have focused on reducing property tax burdens for families, which often feel like a second mortgage. High property taxes strain homeowners and businesses, making it difficult for families to stay in their homes and hindering economic growth.”

Hinojosa continued, “If approved in November, this legislation will provide significant tax relief by raising the homestead exemption to $140,000 and up to $200,000 for homeowners over 65 and individuals with disabilities. This is the largest tax relief package yet and will save families hundreds of dollars on their property tax bill.”

In 2015, the Texas Legislature approved an increase in the residence homestead exemption from $15,000 to $25,000, followed by a voter-approved increase to $40,000 in May 2022. Most recently, in 2023, the Legislature raised the homestead exemption to $100,000 with an overwhelming 83% approval from voters. Texans will have the opportunity to vote on these new proposed increases in the upcoming November election.

How fuel depots are fueling cartel profits, tax fraud, and safety risks—and how SB 2949 strikes at the heart of those issues

When most Texans think about border crime, they picture drugs or weapons—not fuel. But in recent years, a different kind of smuggling has taken hold across the Texas-Mexico border: fuel theft and tax evasion through transloading operations, increasingly linked to Mexican cartels and enabled by unregulated fuel depots. In 2024, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick assigned the Senate Committee on Border Security to do a deep dive into this issue. What I learned is that this is not just a regional issue. It affects statewide tax integrity, environmental safety, and the security of our international trade routes.

During committee hearings the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Comptrollers’s Criminal Investigation Division testified that what started as isolated schemes has evolved into a coordinated system to export fuel to Mexico without paying taxes. Known in Mexico as huachicol, the black-market fuel trade once referred to thefts from Pemex pipelines. But today, a new variant has emerged—huachicol fiscal—where fuel purchased tax-free in Texas is smuggled into Mexico, bypassing both U.S. and Mexican fuel tax systems.

Unregulated Fuel Depots: The Hidden Infrastructure of Huachicol

According to DPS and the Comptroller’s Office, these transloading facilities known as fuel depots operating near ports of entry and mostly connected by designated overweight corridors are the key for smuggling operations. Trucks carrying tax-free loads of fuel intended for export pull into nearby depots to shift fuel from U.S. trucks to Mexican tankers or offload it into above-ground storage tanks to manipulate load weights and bypass tax regulation. Fuel intended for export is often blended, resold, or smuggled across the border using false shipping documents and unlicensed transporters. The result: millions in lost tax revenue, increased environmental risks, and a black-market infrastructure that enables cartel-linked actors to profit at the state’s expense.

Many of the workers at these facilities are untrained in dealing with hazardous materials and use pumps, hoses, and other equipment not safe for the handling of fuel. DPS and the Comptroller’s Office reported that the use of overweight three-axle trucks to carry up to 140,000 pounds, far above the standard 80,000-pound limit, are an integral part of the scheme to get the fuel across to Mexico. While some trucks operate on permitted overweight corridors like the route from the Port of Harlingen to the Los Indios Bridge, many others illegally use roads not designated as overweight routes under state law leading to the Pharr International Bridge—posing serious safety and enforcement challenges. These activities are occurring in residential areas creating dangerous situations for our families.

Law enforcement reports show these operations routinely violate environmental and hazardous material laws. Spills seep into the soil. Fumes escape into neighborhoods. Some depots sit just blocks from schools, homes, and international bridges—turning border communities into staging grounds for cartel-linked fuel crime.

Federal Action and the Texas Response

This is not theoretical. On May 1, the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued a warning about fuel smuggling operations run by Mexican cartels. These groups exploit our border infrastructure and weak regulations to move stolen crude oil into the United States, often disguised as waste oil shipments. Through American associates using shell companies appearing to be legitimate businesses in the fuel industry, the cartels are enabled to launder billions of dollars in illegal profits nationwide, harming our communities and economy.

Last month, four people were arrested in a crude oil smuggling case connected to a Rio Hondo facility. This followed months of investigations by federal agencies, DPS, and the Comptroller’s Criminal Investigation Division into tax fraud, illegal transloading, and unlicensed tanker operations in Cameron and Hidalgo Counties.

SB 2949: Closing the Loopholes, Protecting Texas

In response, I filed Senate Bill 2949, which passed the Senate unanimously last April and is now in the House. The purpose of this legislation is to shut down fuel depots in border counties, where the risk of smuggling and fraud is greatest. The bill establishes strong civil and criminal penalties, tightens motor fuel transporter licensing requirements, and enhances fuel export tracking, specifically targeting undocumented transloading, fraud, and illegal fuel transport. By improving state oversight, we can stop fuel tax evasion at the source and eradicate the infrastructure supporting illegal fuel trade.

What sets SB 2949 apart as passed in the Senate, is its clarity: it does not create new loopholes or regulatory confusion. It targets unregulated infrastructure while protecting lawful IRS-registered terminals, refineries, and exporters. It holds both the operator and the licensed supplier accountable for any misuse of tax-exempt fuel. And it gives state and local authorities the tools they need to shut down dangerous fuel depots.

What to Watch For

Texans should be alert for signs of this growing trade:

·     Three-axle fuel trucks from Mexico using local roads not designated for overweight travel.

·     Above-ground tanks on vacant lots or near ports of entry with no visible signage or safety barriers.

·     Frequent fuel transfers between trucks using hoses and portable pumps without proper documentation.

·     These are not harmless logistics hubs—they are hubs for tax fraud, smuggling, and criminal activity.

The Stakes

We cannot allow cartel-linked fuel crime to take root on Texas soil. The economic impact is real, the public safety risks are rising, and the credibility of our tax system is on the line. SB 2949 strikes the right balance: strong enforcement, protection for legitimate commerce, and a clear message that Texas will not tolerate black-market fuel routes—northbound or southbound. Texas cannot compromise its security or lawful commerce in the face of this growing threat. We must work together to fight against huachicol (fuel theft) and huachicol fiscal (tax evasion) to work toward a safer future for our communities.

On May 12th, the Texas Senate finalized action on Senate Bill (SB) 5 and Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 3, both authored by Senator Joan Huffman, to allocate funding for research, prevention, and treatment of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and related disorders. SB 5 is now headed to Governor Greg Abbott for approval, while the proposition in SJR 3 will be voted on in November. Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, co-author of the bills, expressed strong support for the establishment of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT).

Senator Hinojosa stated, “Few bills we will pass this session will have as significant an impact on future generations as these dementia bills. This program is modeled after the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), which has transformed cancer treatment. I appreciate Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick for prioritizing this issue and Senator Huffman for her leadership and commitment.”

SB 5 establishes DPRIT to accelerate research into dementia and related disorders, enhance innovation and the potential for medical breakthroughs, improve the health of Texans, and position Texas as a leader in this field. DPRIT is modeled after CPRIT, established in 2007.

SJR 3 is the constitutional amendment that will transfer $3 billion in state funds to the Dementia Prevention & Research Fund, ensuring financing for the next ten years, with a limit of $300 million in appropriations per fiscal year. This fund will support research into the causes, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of dementia, creating high-quality jobs and attracting top researchers to Texas.

Earlier this year, the Senate Finance Committee heard testimony indicating that approximately 400,000 Texans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease, with Texas Medicaid expenses related to care projected to reach nearly $4 billion in 2024. Additionally, research shows that the Hispanic population will see a steep increase in dementia diagnoses, yet they are underrepresented in clinical trials.

Senator Hinojosa emphasized, “DPRIT is designed to make Texas a leader in combating dementia. In the RGV we have the UTRGV Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center for Minority Aging Research. This center will benefit from DPRIT and the significant investment of $3 billion. These funds will speed up research to help us learn more about this terrible disease, how we can prevent it, and eventually cure it.”

The establishment of DPRIT is a historic commitment to improving the quality of life for those affected by dementia and ensuring Texas remains at the forefront of medical research and innovation.

On May 9th, the Texas Senate passed House Bill (HB) 331, authored by Representative Jared Patterson and Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa. This important bill ensures that firefighters, peace officers, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who experience a heart attack or stroke within eight hours after a strenuous shift are presumed to have been injured in the line of duty. This change will help these brave individuals access workers’ compensation benefits more easily and fairly.

Senator Hinojosa emphasized the importance of this bill, stating “Our first responders have earned and deserve our support. They are there for us when we need them the most. Likewise, we shouldn’t turn our backs on them when their life and health are impacted by their work.”

First responders face significant risks. Current law requires that heart attacks or strokes occur during duty. However, the nature of their work often involves high-stress situations that can lead to medical emergencies after their shifts have ended. Many firefighters and police officers push through to the end of their shifts, only to discover they have suffered a heart attack later.

House Bill 331 removes the “nonroutine” limitation, broadening the definition of “qualifying activity” to include any stressful or strenuous physical activities, whether routine or extraordinary. Since first responders frequently deal with unpredictable situations, this change will simplify the coverage and eliminate confusion.

The new law will apply only to claims filed on or after the effective date, meaning there will be no retroactive claims.

Senator Hinojosa concluded, “This bill is the right move to protect our first responders and their families, giving them peace of mind that if a tragedy occurs, they will have access to the benefits they deserve.”

The bill is now awaiting final approval from Governor Greg Abbott.

Today, the Texas Senate passed House Bill (HB) 3093, authored by Representative Denise Villalobos and Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa. This bill is designed to provide more tax revenue certainty and protect local governments along the Gulf Coast from financial harm caused by appraisal disputes. 

HB 3093 will exclude contested amounts from appraisal rolls for the 20 highest-value properties. This change allows eligible counties, cities, and special districts to base their budgets on accurate, collectible property values, instead of disputed amounts that might not be resolved in time.

Senator Hinojosa shared the background on the bill, stating, “In 2023, I was approached by local officials, including Nueces County Tax Assessor Collector Kevin Kieschnick, Nueces County Judge Connie Scott, Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo, Del Mar College Board of Regents Chair Carol Scott, and trustees from Corpus Christi ISD, who expressed concerns about rising contested values for certain refineries. These disputes could lead to budget shortfalls for local entities. In response, I authored Senate Bill 1052 and am pleased that Representative Villalobos filed the companion bill, HB 3093, in the Texas House.”

Currently, taxing units must use total appraised values, which do not account for pending legal disputes. This can lead to inaccurate tax rates and overestimated revenues, causing significant budget gaps if appraisals are later reduced. HB 3093 changes how tax rates are calculated when high-value property owners notify units about pending legal disputes over appraised values.

“HB 3093 will allow local entities to budget based on uncontested values. This bill is a compromise that preserves taxpayers’ rights to protest appraisals while helping governments plan their budgets effectively,” Senator Hinojosa added.

He also thanked the public officials and community leaders from the Coastal Bend who supported the legislation. “It takes teamwork to pass bills during the session and I appreciate the leadership of Rep. Villalobos and the support of Chairman Todd Hunter and Senator Adam Hinojosa in addressing this issue. I also thank the tireless work of Nueces County Tax Assessor Collector Kevin Kieschnick and our local public officials and community leaders who took the time to travel to Austin to testify in support of this bill.”

The bill is now awaiting final approval from Governor Greg Abbott.

The Texas Senate has concurred with House amendments to Senate Bill 1967, authored by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, paving the way for important funding opportunities for flood mitigation projects. The bill will now head to Governor Greg Abbott for final approval. 

In 2019, the 86th Texas Legislature passed SB 7, joint authored by Senator Hinojosa, which created the Texas Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF) to help communities develop drainage and flood control projects. This fund, managed by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), provides financial assistance—through grants and zero-interest loans—to cities, counties, and other organizations working to improve flood management and water resources.

Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 (HCDD1) is currently working on the Delta Reclamation Project, a significant initiative aimed at reclaiming water from local drainage systems. This project will help tackle the area’s ongoing flooding issues, which are caused by flat terrain, non-absorbent soils, and long distances to natural water outlets. When completed, the Delta Project will convert daily drainage runoff into a new source of drinking water while also providing flood mitigation through proposed detention ponds.

Currently, existing TWDB programs do not fit the needs of the Delta Project, making it ineligible for funding. However, SB 1967 changes that. The bill amends the Texas Water Code to allow projects like the Delta Project to receive support from the FIF. It expands the definition of a “flood project” to include those that control and repurpose floodwater and stormwater for drinking and other uses. Representative Mando Martinez, sponsor of SB 1967 in the Texas House, added an amendment that also authorizes water supply projects that contain a flood control component to be eligible for financial assistance from the State Water Implementation Fund (SWIFT) and the Water Supply Account within the Water Loan Assistance Fund.

Senator Hinojosa stated, “Addressing water challenges across the state is a priority this session. I was proud to author SB 1967, which makes the Hidalgo County Drainage District Delta Project eligible for funding from the Flood Infrastructure Fund and other Texas Water Development Board funds. This project has two main goals: improving our drainage system and capturing water that would otherwise flow to the Gulf and treating the water for distribution to suppliers for both drinking and non-drinking use. I appreciate Hidalgo County Commissioner David Fuentes for his efforts in advocating for this legislation and thank Rep. Mando Martinez for sponsoring the bill in the Texas House. I look forward to Governor Abbott signing this bill into law.”