Texans for Fiscal Responsibility has issued the following vote notice for May 20th, 2025

Texas House of Representatives

---

Subject: Senate Bill 4 (SB 4) –  Property Tax Relief, Raising the Homestead Exemption

• Author: State Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston)
• Caption: Relating to an increase in the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district and the protection of school districts against certain losses in local revenue.
• TFR Position:  SUPPORT / AMEND
• Background: 
  • As proposed, SB 4 seeks to provide property tax relief to homeowners by raising the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000, costing roughly $3 billion out of the $24 billion State surplus over the biennium. Included in the bill is a provision that the state will make up any funding deficit a school district might incur as a result of this exemption increase, including Interest & Sinking (I&S). SB 4 should be amended, however, to expand relief, including through rate compression which provides longer term relief to all property owners, and provide a majority of the State’s surplus back to taxpayers.

Subject:  Senate Bill 3 (SB 3) – Hemp Regulation and THC Ban

• Author: State Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock)
• Caption: Relating to the regulation of consumable hemp products and the hemp-derived cannabinoids contained in those products; requiring a registration; imposing fees; creating criminal offenses; providing an administrative penalty.
• TFR Position:  SUPPORT / AMEND
• Background: 
  • The House version of SB 3 establishes a new regulatory regime for consumable hemp products and “hemp beverages” under the Alcoholic Beverage Code, creating a licensing and enforcement system overseen by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. The bill creates a sprawling new bureaucracy that mirrors the state’s existing alcohol regulation framework, with multiple permit types, new taxes, and heavy-handed compliance requirements. From a fiscally conservative standpoint, the intent to bring regulatory clarity and protect public health is laudable. However, the House version expands government significantly, bloating the regulatory system and shifting oversight away from existing health agencies toward a liquor-style enforcement model, and fails to ban the harmful products. The bill should be amended to return to the Senate version, which maintains a tighter regulatory focus under the Health and Safety Code, bans synthetic and untested cannabinoids, and avoids unnecessary government growth. A more targeted approach serves both consumer safety and fiscal responsibility without overly inflating the size and scope of state government.

Subject: Senate Joint Resolution 2 (SJR 2) –  Property Tax Relief, Raising the Homestead Exemption

• Author: State Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston)
• Caption: Proposing a constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district.
• TFR Position:  SUPPORT / AMEND
• Background: 
  • SJR 2 seeks to provide property tax relief to homeowners by raising the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000, costing roughly $3 billion out of the $24 billion State surplus over the biennium. SJR 2 should be amended, however, to expand relief, including through rate compression which provides longer term relief to all property owners, and provide a majority of the State’s surplus back to taxpayers.

Subject: Senate Bill 34 (SB 34) – Wildfire prevention 

• Author: State Sen. Kevin Sparks (R-Midland)
• Caption: Relating to the preparation for and the prevention, management, and potential effects of wildfires and to emergency communications in this state; authorizing an increase in the assessment on certain insurers that fund the volunteer fire department assistance fund.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 34, as amended in the House, aims to improve Texas’ wildfire preparedness by collecting better data and making fire response more coordinated. It directs state agencies and universities to study wildfire risks and how much it would cost to reduce them, with a focus on protecting lives and property. It also creates a statewide equipment inventory system to help volunteer fire departments know what resources are available and where. From a fiscally conservative perspective, the bill supports smarter budgeting by identifying where wildfire prevention spending is most cost-effective. It prioritizes support for rural volunteer departments most at risk, ensuring funds are targeted, not wasted.

Subject: Senate Bill 75 (SB 75) – Electric grid resilience 

• Author: State Sen. Bob Hall (R-Edgewood)
• Caption: Relating to the resilience of the electric grid and certain municipalities.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 75 (House version) takes a step toward improving Texas’s ability to withstand power grid failures by creating a Grid Security Commission to study threats and recommend ways to protect critical infrastructure. From a fiscally conservative standpoint, the bill encourages proactive planning rather than costly emergency responses, helping to safeguard lives and taxpayer-funded systems during disasters.

Subject: Senate Bill 706 (SB 706) – Universal recognition of handgun licenses

• Author: State Sen. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown)
• Caption: Relating to the recognition of a handgun license issued by another state.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 706 enhances Second Amendment protections by allowing universal recognition of out-of-state handgun licenses in Texas, ensuring lawful gun owners can exercise their rights without bureaucratic barriers. By eliminating unnecessary government oversight and annual reciprocity determinations, the bill reduces administrative costs and regulatory burdens. Additionally, it aligns Texas law with constitutional carry principles while maintaining Texas’ position as a leader in personal freedom and self-defense rights. For these reasons, TFR supports SB 706.

Subject:  Senate Bill 840 (SB 840) – Reducing zoning restrictions for housing

• Author: State Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola)
• Caption:Relating to certain municipal regulation of certain mixed-use and multifamily residential development projects and conversion of certain commercial buildings to mixed-use and multifamily residential occupancy.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT 
• Background: 
  • SB 840 promotes free-market solutions to the housing crisis by reducing government overreach and excessive regulations that hinder development. The bill would allow property owners to convert underutilized commercial spaces in commercially zoned areas into housing without costly bureaucratic hurdles. The bill encourages private investment, fosters economic growth, and increases housing supply without additional taxpayer-funded subsidies.

Subject: Senate Bill 2155 (SB 2155) – Veterinary regulation expansion

• Author: State Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock)
• Caption: Relating to the regulation of veterinary professionals and facilities by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and the temporary administration of the board by the Department of Licensing and Regulation. 
• TFR Position: OPPOSE
• Background: 
  • SB 2155 gives the state bureaucracy greater control over the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, expanding its regulatory reach and formalizing a top-heavy oversight structure led by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. It allows the board to conduct more inspections, issue fines, and enforce new rules on veterinary professionals and facilities. While the bill claims to increase efficiency and accountability, it shifts power away from local, professional control and increases the potential for costly overreach. The bill reduces public transparency by keeping many investigations confidential and adds new layers of administrative burden. From a fiscally conservative perspective, this bill grows government, increases spending on enforcement, and imposes regulatory costs on small veterinary practices. For these reasons, TFR opposes SB 2155.

Subject: Senate Bill 1405 (SB 1405) – Broadband subsidies expansion 

• Author: State Sen. Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville)
• Caption: Relating to increasing access to and reducing taxation of Internet services.
• TFR Position: OPPOSE
• Background: 
  • SB 1405 expands the Texas Broadband Development Office’s authority and significantly increases government involvement in broadband deployment, using over $1.5 billion in taxpayer money. The bill broadens state power to issue grants and loans for vague “digital opportunity” projects, opening the door to questionable spending with little accountability. It also repeals oversight mechanisms like the Governor’s Broadband Development Council, eliminating checks and balances. By removing the sales tax on internet service, the bill further narrows the tax base without reducing spending. From a fiscally conservative perspective, this bill grows government and subsidizes private infrastructure. For these reasons, TFR opposes SB 1405.

Subject:  Senate Bill 213 (SB 213) – Prevents forced insurance bundling 

• Author: State Sen. Royce West (D-Dallas)
• Caption: Relating to prohibiting insurers from requiring the tying of residential property and personal automobile insurance policies.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 213 protects consumer choice by prohibiting insurance companies from forcing customers to bundle home and auto policies, ensuring a free and competitive market. By eliminating coercive bundling, the bill fosters fair competition, prevents monopolistic practices, and allows consumers to shop for the best coverage at competitive rates. The bill upholds market principles by preventing anti-competitive behavior that limits consumer freedom and drives up costs. For these reasons, TFR supports SB 213.

Subject: Senate Bill 646 (SB 646) – Expands mental health loan subsidies

• Author: State Sen. Royce West (D-Dallas)
• Caption: Relating to repayment of certain mental health professional education loans.
• TFR Position: OPPOSE 
• Background: 
  • SB 646 substantially expands Texas’ Mental Health Professionals Loan Repayment Program, adding new categories of workers and sharply increasing the maximum repayment amounts. By enlarging the pool of eligible recipients and offering new financial bonuses, the bill guarantees that program costs will balloon far beyond their original scope. It also allows up to $1 million in taxpayer funds to be spent on marketing the program, further compounding government expenses. Expanding eligibility to school counselors and lower-level associates, rather than narrowly targeting severe shortages, dilutes the program’s focus and invites waste. While mental health access is important, this bill moves Texas further away from fiscal restraint, and should be opposed.

Subject:  Senate Bill 896 (SB 896) – Extended newborn insurance enrollment period

• Author: State Sen. César Blanco (D-El Paso)
• Caption: Relating to the enrollment period for newborns under certain health benefit plans.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 896 provides a common-sense update to Texas health insurance regulations by extending the newborn enrollment period from 31 to 60 days. This helps avoid costly lapses in coverage due to bureaucratic delays during a time when families are often overwhelmed. The bill ensures parental choice and stability, supports families, and does so without imposing new mandates or costs on the state. For these reasons, TFR supports SB 896.

Subject: Senate Bill 1184 (SB 1184) – Vintage wine sales

• Author: State Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe)
• Caption: Relating to the age of wine authorized to be sold by a wine collection seller.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 1184 allows private wine collectors in Texas to sell older bottles of wine—now as young as 10 years old—to licensed restaurants. Previously, this was only permitted for wines aged at least 20 years. By lowering the age threshold, the bill expands opportunities for collectors to legally monetize their inventory and for restaurants to enhance their offerings. This change incentivizes keeping collectible wine within Texas rather than forcing out-of-state sales. This supports free-market principles, promotes property rights, reduces unnecessary regulatory barriers, and encourages private economic activity without new government programs or subsidies.

Subject: Senate Bill 1358 (SB 1358) – Limits regulations on Food Delivery 

• Author: State Rep. Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound)
• Caption: Relating to prohibited local regulations regarding certain late-night and overnight deliveries to food service establishments.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 1358 stops local governments from using red tape to block or charge fees for certain food-related deliveries made late at night. It sets a single, statewide noise limit of 65 decibels for deliveries made between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., as long as they last an hour or less and don’t disrupt nearby residents. This bill protects small businesses and restaurants from a confusing patchwork of local ordinances that can hinder efficient operations and inflate compliance costs. By cutting unnecessary regulation, it reduces burdens on both business owners and taxpayers. It also protects against local fee schemes that could become hidden taxes on commerce. Limiting government overreach in this way supports the free market and encourages lower-cost food service operations. The statewide standard also makes enforcement simpler and fairer. Overall, SB 1358 promotes predictability, economic freedom, and government restraint.

Subject: Senate Bill 21 (SB 21) – State Bitcoin Reserve

• Author: State Sen. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown)
• Caption: Relating to the establishment and administration of the Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve for the purpose of investing in cryptocurrency and the investment authority of the comptroller of public accounts over the reserve and certain other state funds.
• TFR Position:  OPPOSE
• Background: 
  • SB 21 establishes the Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, a special fund outside the state treasury, completely managed by the Comptroller to invest in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. While the bill could diversify Texas’ financial portfolio and hedge against inflation, the bill presents several risks. It funds a highly speculative and volatile asset, all at the cost of taxpayers. Moving these funds outside the treasury limits legislative oversight, reducing accountability and increasing the risk of mismanagement. Using taxpayer dollars to gamble on cryptocurrency is an unnecessary financial risk that undermines fiscal responsibility and limited government principles. The legislature should seek to lower regulations or barriers to cryptocurrency use and adoption, rather than using more of the people’s money in a new government fund. For these reasons, TFR opposes SB 21.

Subject:  Senate Bill 1252 (SB 1252) – Cuts residential energy regulation

• Author: State Sen. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) 
• Caption: Relating to the authority of a municipality to regulate the installation or inspection of a residential energy backup system.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 1252 eliminates burdensome local regulations on residential energy backup systems, ensuring a uniform and streamlined permitting process across Texas. By preventing municipalities from imposing redundant or costly permitting requirements, the bill reduces regulatory overhead and encourages energy independence for homeowners. This deregulation fosters innovation, lowers costs for consumers, and minimizes government interference in private property decisions.

Texas Senate

---

Subject: Senate Joint Resolution 60 (SJR 60) – Niche Property tax exemption 

• Author: State Sen. Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels)
• Caption: Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the commissioners court of a county to exempt from ad valorem taxation by each political subdivision that taxes the property the portion of the assessed value of a person’s property that is attributable to the installation in or on the property of a rainwater harvesting or graywater system.
• TFR Position: OPPOSE
• Background: 
  • SJR 60 proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow county commissioners courts to exempt from property taxes the portion of a home’s value added by installing a rainwater harvesting or graywater system. While the stated intent is to promote water conservation, the resolution would complicate the tax code by creating a new, selective exemption. Instead of providing broad tax relief, it rewards certain property owners based on their ability to afford and install niche environmental upgrades—an option not available to many Texans. Renters, lower-income homeowners, and those in dense urban areas where space or infrastructure doesn’t allow for these systems would be effectively excluded from any benefit, while still subsidizing the lost revenue through higher rates or reduced services. The policy could result in a patchwork of exemptions across the state, with different counties adopting different rules, undermining consistency and fairness in taxation. Additionally, it opens the door for further politically favored carve-outs, further eroding the principle of equal treatment under the tax code. It also raises enforcement and verification challenges, as local governments would be tasked with confirming installation details, valuation impact, and compliance, all of which add red tape and administrative costs. From a fiscally conservative, pro-taxpayer standpoint, this measure represents government interference in the tax base and picks winners and losers in the marketplace. For these reasons, TFR opposes SJR 60.

Subject: Senate Bill 1319 (SB 1319) – Limit foreign athletic scholarship

• Author: State Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe)
• Caption: Relating to a limit on the number of athletic scholarships that may be awarded to foreign students by a public institution of higher education.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 1319 ensures that the vast majority of publicly funded athletic scholarships at Texas colleges are awarded to American students. By capping the share of these scholarships that can go to foreign nationals at 25%, the bill protects limited state dollars and ensures they benefit Texas families first. This approach aligns with the principle that taxpayer-supported programs should serve those who contribute to and depend on them. The bill doesn’t ban foreign athletes but restores balance by ensuring U.S. students have priority in accessing educational opportunities tied to athletics. With no new bureaucracy or rulemaking required, it’s a simple, enforceable policy that reinforces limited-government principles. The bill should be supported by anyone who values fiscal responsibility, educational access, and proper stewardship of state resources.

Subject: Senate Bill 1633 (SB 1633) – Niche Property tax exemption 

• Author: State Sen. Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels)
• Caption: Relating to the authority of a county commissioners court to adopt an exemption from ad valorem taxation by each taxing unit that taxes the property of the portion of the appraised value of a person’s property that is attributable to the installation in or on the property of certain water conservation systems.
• TFR Position: OPPOSE
• Background: 
  • SB 1633 is the enabling legislation for SJR 60. It would allow county commissioners courts to exempt from property taxes the portion of a home’s value added by installing a rainwater harvesting or graywater system. While the stated intent is to promote water conservation, the resolution would complicate the tax code by creating a new, selective exemption. Instead of providing broad tax relief, it rewards certain property owners based on their ability to afford and install niche environmental upgrades—an option not available to many Texans. Renters, lower-income homeowners, and those in dense urban areas where space or infrastructure doesn’t allow for these systems would be effectively excluded from any benefit, while still subsidizing the lost revenue through higher rates or reduced services. The policy could result in a patchwork of exemptions across the state, with different counties adopting different rules, undermining consistency and fairness in taxation. Additionally, it opens the door for further politically favored carve-outs, further eroding the principle of equal treatment under the tax code. It also raises enforcement and verification challenges, as local governments would be tasked with confirming installation details, valuation impact, and compliance, all of which add red tape and administrative costs. From a fiscally conservative, pro-taxpayer standpoint, this measure represents government interference in the tax base and picks winners and losers in the marketplace. For these reasons, TFR opposes SB 1633.

Subject: Senate Bill 1978 (SB 1978) – Protects Texas Grid from Federal control

• Author: State Sen. Bob Hall (R-Edgewood)
• Caption: Relating to the interconnection of a facility in the ERCOT power region to certain other facilities.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 1978 aims to protect Texas’ electric grid from falling under federal oversight by tightening restrictions on interconnections between ERCOT and out-of-state electric systems. The bill prohibits electric utilities and other entities from linking to external grids unless they can prove to the Public Utility Commission that the interconnection is in the public interest and will not trigger federal regulation. This ensures that Texas remains in control of its energy policy without federal interference. The bill requires a public interest application well in advance of any federal action and mandates a formal certificate if interconnection proceeds. From a fiscally conservative standpoint, this limits unnecessary regulatory entanglement, shields Texans from federally imposed energy mandates, and avoids costly grid compliance burdens. It also helps maintain affordable energy prices by keeping the grid locally governed and responsive to in-state needs. By preventing federal intrusion, the bill supports limited government and defends Texas’ energy independence.

Subject: House Bill 107 (HB 107) – Sickle cell disease registry

• Author: State Rep. Lauren Simmons (D-Houston)
• Caption: Relating to the establishment of the sickle cell disease registry.
• TFR Position: OPPOSE
• Background: 
  • HB 107 requires the state to create a centralized registry tracking all individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease in Texas. While aimed at improving treatment and research, the bill mandates that hospitals and clinics report patient data, creating a new regulatory burden. The registry is expected to cost nearly $5 million in the first two years and add at least five new full-time government employees. It also sets a precedent for disease-specific registries that could lead to further government overreach and spending. Although privacy protections are mentioned, there is no robust enforcement mechanism for data security, leaving personal health information potentially vulnerable. This is not a core function of government and shifts focus away from empowering free-market solutions, patients, and reducing healthcare costs.

Subject: House Bill 3370 (HB 3370) – Inheritance tax protection

• Author: State Rep. Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin)
• Caption: Relating to late applications for the appraisal of land for ad valorem tax purposes as qualified timber land following the death of the owner of the land.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • HB 3370 helps families who inherit timber land by giving them a break if they miss a tax paperwork deadline due to a loved one’s death. It ensures the property can still qualify for the lower tax rate under timber appraisal rules without facing a financial penalty, as long as it was already appraised that way before. It corrects a gap in current law that treats timber land differently from agricultural land in similar situations. By extending fairness to timber landowners, the bill reduces bureaucratic red tape during times of personal loss. It also ensures that families aren’t hit with surprise tax hikes or penalties simply because they weren’t aware of technical filing requirements. Supporting this measure aligns with protecting private property rights and preventing unnecessary government overreach.

---

---

Reminder: Vote Notices are provided to both Texas state lawmakers and the general public, sharing Texans for Fiscal Responsibility’s position on issues eligible to be rated as a part of the Fiscal Responsibility Index. Notices are provided prior to votes being taken in each legislative chamber.

Disclaimer: We reserve the right to consider amendments to legislation that may be introduced without notice as a part of issues to be rated on the Fiscal Responsibility Index. We will make every effort to provide notice on amendments that are pre-filed.