Staff summarizes 2025 Texas legislative session and expected special session items

Taylor Law, a city staff member who monitors state legislation, gave the council a summary of key bills from the 2025 Texas legislative session and highlighted items likely to return in a special session announced by the governor.

Law said that of the roughly 9,000 bills filed this session, about 13% became law and that more than 260 enacted measures related to cities. He reviewed items that aligned with the council's legislative priorities — preserving local authority, enhancing public safety, investing in infrastructure, and promoting economic development — and identified bills that cities opposed but expect to see again.

Among measures he highlighted were changes that require posting meeting agendas three business days in advance (SB 1062), limitations tied to minimum lot sizes for larger cities (SB 1545 and SB 840, with population brackets), a law clarifying HUD-code manufactured-home placement (SB 785), and a provision that raises the public-bidding threshold from $50,000 to $100,000 (SB 1173). He described several public-safety and funding items, including proposed constitutional amendments that would dedicate funds to the Texas Water Development Board if approved by voters.

Council members asked whether the city should pursue available grants for armored vehicles and public-safety equipment. Law said staff will monitor grant guidance and apply when appropriate. Law also advised council that the Texas Municipal League will detail implementation sessions at its annual conference in Fort Worth in October.

The mayor and council thanked staff for tracking legislation and said staff memos posted to the city's website provide ongoing updates.