Texas Senate passes multiple bills including Audrey's Law and memorial highways

The Texas Senate convened on May 9, 2025, to discuss and pass several significant pieces of legislation, addressing various issues from child safety to local memorials. The session began with Senator Kolkhorst advocating for House Bill 140, which establishes advisory bodies for the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The bill aims to enhance input from various stakeholders, including parents involved in Child Protective Services cases, judges, and law enforcement. The Senate unanimously passed the bill after suspending the regular order of business.

Following this, Senator Nichols introduced House Bill 467, which allows for the dissolution of the Cedar Creek Hospital District, a long-defunct entity. This bill enables county judges to place a dissolution election on the ballot, facilitating the establishment of a nursing endowment in memory of a local businessman. The Senate passed this bill without objection.

Senator Menendez then presented House Bill 2763, which designates a Texas Department of Transportation building in Starr County as the Eduardo Eddie Garcia Jr. area engineer and maintenance facility, honoring the late engineer's contributions to infrastructure development. The bill also passed unanimously.

Senator Nichols returned to the floor to discuss House Bill 2000, known as "Audrey's Law," which mandates that individuals convicted of child grooming register as sex offenders. This legislation was prompted by the tragic abduction and murder of a 12-year-old girl, highlighting the need for stricter regulations to protect children. The Senate passed this bill, emphasizing its importance in preventing future tragedies.

Senator Hancock introduced House Bill 331, which presumes that first responders suffering heart attacks or strokes within eight hours of a strenuous shift were injured in the line of duty, ensuring they receive appropriate workers' compensation. The bill received unanimous support.

Senator Hall moved to honor fallen officer Jacob Candinoza by designating a portion of State Highway 34 as the Officer Jacob Candinoza Memorial Highway. The Senate passed this bill, recognizing the officer's sacrifice.

Senator Parker addressed House Bill 2730, aimed at clarifying the reapplication process for homestead exemptions, ensuring homeowners are not unjustly removed from exemption rolls. This bill also passed without objection.

Senator Eckhart introduced House Bill 2723, which provides tax exemptions for abandoned cemeteries, ensuring they are not subject to foreclosure. The Senate passed this bill, addressing a critical issue for historical preservation.

Senator Hagin concluded the session with House Bill 353, creating a misdemeanor for loitering near schools and daycare centers, aimed at enhancing child safety. The bill passed unanimously.

The session concluded with a moment of reflection as Senator Kolkhorst shared a tragic incident involving the drowning of a young girl in Washington County, urging the Senate to keep her family in their thoughts and prayers. The Senate then stood at ease, marking the end of a productive legislative day focused on community safety and memorializing those who have served.