Texans for Fiscal Responsibility has issued the following vote notice for April 9th, 2025 

Texas House of Representatives

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None

Texas Senate

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Subject: Senate Joint Resolution 4 (SJR 4) – Expands Rainy Day Fund

• Author: State Sen. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown)
• Caption: Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the maximum amount of money allowable in the economic stabilization fund.
• TFR Position: OPPOSE
• Background: 
  • This proposed constitutional amendment would raise the limit on how much money Texas can store in its “Rainy Day Fund” from 10% to 15% of the state’s revenue from the last two years. If voters approve it, the state would begin setting aside more taxpayer money into this reserve fund starting in 2027. While rainy day funds are meant to prepare for emergencies, this bill would redirect nearly $7 billion over the next four years away from general use — money that could otherwise be used for tax relief or paying down state debt. From a fiscally conservative and limited government perspective, locking away more public funds reduces legislative flexibility and encourages hoarding instead of returning excess collections to taxpayers. It also diminishes transparency and makes government growth easier by cushioning budget shortfalls without meaningful reforms. With the current cap already providing a strong safety net, expanding it risks enabling bigger government with less oversight. 

Subject: Senate Joint Resolution 40 (SJR 40) – Limits executive emergency authority

• Author: State Sen. Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury)
• Caption: Proposing a constitutional amendment regarding the powers of the governor, the legislature, and the supreme court following certain disaster or emergency declarations.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SJR 40 is a proposed constitutional amendment to prevent runaway executive power during prolonged disaster declarations. Under this resolution, if a disaster impacts a large portion of the state, the governor must call a special legislative session before extending the emergency beyond 30 days. This ensures that decisions affecting millions of Texans are made with input from their elected representatives—not unilaterally by the governor. The bill maintains the governor’s swift emergency response power for the first 30 days but restores legislative oversight after that. This guards against unchecked government mandates and emergency spending without accountability. It respects constitutional checks and balances, limits executive overreach, and ensures transparent government action. It also empowers legislators—and by extension, the people—to rein in excess authority. This is a common-sense protection for liberty, limited government, and taxpayer interests.

Subject: Senate Bill 33 (SB 33) – Ban on Government Support for Abortion

• Author: State Sen. Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels)
• Caption: Relating to certain prohibited transactions and logistical support between a governmental entity and an abortion assistance entity or abortion provider for the procurement of an abortion or related services.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 33 stops state and local governments from using taxpayer dollars to support any activity related to abortions, even indirectly. This includes banning contracts with groups that help pay for abortions or assist women with travel, lodging, or child care to get one. It closes loopholes used by some cities to sidestep existing laws and ensures public money isn’t quietly funneled to support abortion access. The bill empowers both Texas citizens and the Attorney General to hold violators accountable in court, even stripping government entities of their usual legal immunity. It protects limited government by keeping cities from acting as de facto abortion funders. It also respects the intent of existing pro-life laws and strengthens local accountability.

Subject: Senate Bill 36 (SB 36) – DPS Homeland Security Division

• Author: State Sen. Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound)
• Caption: Relating to the homeland security activities of certain entities, including the establishment and operations of the Homeland Security Division in the Department of Public Safety.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT / AMEND
• Background: 
  • SB 36 proposes creating a Homeland Security Division within the Department of Public Safety to centralize and streamline Texas’ homeland security and border protection efforts. By consolidating leadership and planning into one dedicated division, the bill aims to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce redundancy among agencies, and improve coordination during emergencies and threats. The division would also manage intelligence gathering, oversee critical infrastructure protection, and coordinate with federal and local governments. The bill represents a more strategic and accountable use of state resources compared to the fragmented status quo. However, the new positions and programs come at a cost of over $7 million through 2027. To strengthen the bill’s accountability, it should include a sunset review provision, annual performance audits, and require public disclosure of outcomes and spending. These additions would ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and transparently, while protecting the border and Texans from real and evolving threats.

Subject: Senate Bill 38 (SB 38) – Eviction for squatters

• Author: State Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston)
• Caption: Relating to the eviction from real property of certain persons not entitled to enter, occupy, or remain in possession of the premises.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 38 streamlines the eviction process in Texas, allowing landlords to quickly remove individuals who are unlawfully occupying residential properties. It creates clear timelines for courts, landlords, and tenants, and prevents delays that often cost property owners thousands in repairs, lost rent, and legal fees. The bill prohibits counterclaims and other legal tactics that can stall proceedings, ensuring that justice courts focus solely on determining who has the legal right to possess the property. It also allows for quicker judgments when there is no real dispute, saving everyone time and money. By requiring tenants who appeal to pay rent into a court registry and affirm their good-faith defense, the bill deters abuse of the appeals process. It empowers landlords to act when local law enforcement fails to execute writs in a timely manner, providing them with alternatives. This legislation supports property rights, reduces court burdens, and discourages abuse of housing laws.

Subject: Senate Bill 95 (SB 95) – Informed Consent for Childhood Vaccines

• Author: State Sen. Bob Hall (R-Edgewood)
• Caption: Relating to the administration of immunizations to children, including required written informed consent to those immunizations and civil liability for failure to obtain the consent; providing an administrative penalty.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 95 ensures that Texas parents give clear, written consent before their children receive any vaccinations. It shifts responsibility to health care providers to explain risks, benefits, and federal protections related to vaccines, reinforcing transparency in medical decisions. The bill bans doctors from taking bonuses or kickbacks from vaccine companies—guarding against conflicts of interest that could endanger children. Providers who ignore these rules can be fined and held liable if harm results. This empowers families, protects children, and ensures accountability. The bill defends individual liberty, limits cronyism in health care, and reduces taxpayer exposure to liabilities caused by negligent or unethical providers.

Subject: Senate Bill 209 (SB 209) – Corporate Welfare for Tech Startups

• Author: State Sen. Royce West (D-Dallas)
• Caption: Relating to the creation of the Texas technology and innovation program.
• TFR Position: OPPOSE
• Background: 
  • SB 209 creates a new state grant program to provide matching funds to small businesses in Texas that receive or apply for federal innovation grants. While framed as support for tech growth and job creation, the bill ultimately represents a form of corporate welfare—taxpayer money handed out to select private businesses, many of which are already benefiting from federal subsidies. It authorizes new state spending, expands government bureaucracy with at least 6.5 new employees, and includes no hard cap on how much money the program could distribute. From a fiscally conservative, pro-taxpayer perspective, this is the government picking winners and losers in the private sector. For these reasons, TFR opposes SB 209.

Subject: Senate Bill 760 (SB 760) – Election oversight in care homes

• Author: State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham)
• Caption: Relating to an application for a ballot to be voted by mail submitted by certain residents of an assisted living facility, a nursing facility, or an intermediate care facility.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 760 aims to protect seniors and individuals with disabilities living in long-term care facilities from potential election fraud. It requires election officials to notify the state health agency when someone in such a facility applies to vote by mail. That agency must then alert the facility, which is responsible for informing any listed legal guardians or power of attorney agents. This creates a safeguard so family members can intervene if the ballot request was fraudulent or unauthorized. The bill also mandates state audits of a sample of care facilities after elections to ensure compliance.

Subject: Senate Bill 762 (SB 762) – Flags in schools

• Author: State Sen. Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels)
• Caption: Relating to the display of flags in public schools; providing a civil penalty.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 762 ensures that Texas public schools remain focused on education by banning the display of political, ideological, or unofficial flags on school property. Only specific flags—such as the U.S. flag, Texas flag, and military or historical flags—are allowed. This policy promotes unity and reduces classroom distractions or conflict over controversial symbols. Parents are empowered to report violations, and schools are required to respond quickly, or face daily fines. The bill protects taxpayer-funded institutions from becoming platforms for political activism and ensures that school resources stay focused on teaching, not ideological disputes.

Subject: Senate Bill 871 (SB 871) – Limits Governor’s disaster powers

• Author: State Sen. Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury)
• Caption: Relating to the authority of the legislature, governor, and certain political subdivisions with respect to disasters and emergencies.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 871 is a legislative reform designed to restore constitutional balance between Texas’ executive and legislative branches during emergencies. It ensures that no single official can indefinitely wield broad emergency powers, particularly when it comes to restricting businesses or suspending laws. By requiring the governor to call lawmakers back into session to extend disaster declarations or impose business closures, it puts key decisions back in the hands of elected representatives. This promotes transparency, prevents government overreach, and safeguards liberty even during crises. The bill also protects elections from being altered by executive order, and prohibits the use of emergency powers to keep bloated state agencies alive beyond their scheduled expiration. 

Subject: Senate Bill 883 (SB 883) – Medical freedom for COVID care

• Author: State Sen. Angela Paxton (R-McKinney)
• Caption: Relating to patient access to prescription drugs for off-label use for COVID-19 treatment.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 883, the Right to Treat Act, reinforces the right of doctors and patients to make medical decisions without government overreach. It allows doctors to prescribe FDA-approved medications for alternative, off-label uses to treat COVID-19, even if those uses aren’t officially listed on the drug label. This protects medical freedom and prevents the state from interfering in the doctor-patient relationship. By reducing bureaucratic red tape and shielding doctors from unjust punishment, the bill promotes efficiency in healthcare without expanding government. It also avoids costly lawsuits by clarifying that neither doctors nor manufacturers can be sued solely for using off-label treatments.

Subject: Senate Bill 1067 (SB 1067) – Block foreign funding in universities

• Author: State Sen. Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston)
• Caption: Relating to prohibiting public institutions of higher education and employees of public institutions of higher education and their spouses from soliciting or accepting gifts, grants, donations, or investments from certain foreign entities.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 1067 strengthens protections against foreign influence by prohibiting Texas public universities and their employees from accepting funds from countries that threaten U.S. national security. This ensures that taxpayer-supported institutions do not become conduits for hostile regimes to exert influence over Texas education or research. By closing off this funding pipeline, the bill defends academic integrity and national interests without increasing bureaucracy or spending. It also holds institutions accountable by requiring the return of any prohibited funds. Aligning with state and federal intelligence assessments, the bill brings consistency across Texas policy. Importantly, it empowers Texas—not foreign actors—to decide who shapes higher education in the state.

Subject: Senate Bill 1210 (SB 1210) – Judicial clarity in Texas courts

• Author: State Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola)
• Caption: Relating to the jurisdiction of the Texas Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 1210 ensures consistency in how Texas interprets its Constitution by empowering the Texas Supreme Court to resolve legal conflicts between it and the Court of Criminal Appeals. Currently, if both courts interpret constitutional provisions differently, there’s no clear path to settle the disagreement—this bill fixes that. It allows the Supreme Court to step in only when such a constitutional conflict arises, preserving the Court of Criminal Appeals’ authority over all other criminal matters. This targeted jurisdictional clarification avoids government overreach while strengthening judicial consistency. The bill reduces legal uncertainty that could lead to costly litigation and inconsistent rulings. It also supports a more efficient, limited government by clearly defining each court’s role without expanding bureaucracy or judicial power broadly. 

Subject: Senate Bill 1267 (SB 1267) – Boat titling modernization and penalties

• Author: State Sen. Carol Alvarado (D-Houston)
• Caption: Relating to certificates of number and certificates of title issued by and records kept by the Parks and Wildlife Department; creating a criminal offense.
• TFR Position: OPPOSE / AMEND
• Background: 
  • SB 1267 updates and modernizes Texas’ boat titling and registration system by moving toward electronic records and clarifying existing statutes. These reforms could improve efficiency, reduce fraud, and streamline ownership transfers. However, the bill goes too far by creating new criminal penalties for failing to disclose hull damage—something that could often be the result of an honest mistake, not malicious intent. Criminalizing paperwork errors or omissions places unnecessary legal risk on boat owners, insurers, and small businesses. The bill also gives state regulators too much discretionary power to reject applications, without clear standards or accountability. While system modernization is a welcome goal, it should be achieved without exposing ordinary Texans to criminal penalties for potential administrative missteps. To improve the bill, lawmakers should remove the criminal penalties and replace them with civil remedies or administrative remedies. For this reason, TFR opposes SB 1267, unless amended.

Subject: Senate Bill 1313 (SB 1313) – Tobacco marketing restriction

• Author: State Sen. Molly Cook (D-Houston)
• Caption: Relating to prohibited signs, logos, and designs in advertising or marketing cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or other tobacco products; creating a criminal offense.
• TFR Position: OPPOSE
• Background: 
  • SB 1313 creates a new criminal offense for tobacco retailers that use certain marketing tactics—like cartoon characters, candy-like imagery, or celebrity pictures—that might appeal to minors. The bill aims to reduce underage attraction to e-cigarettes and tobacco through stricter signage and advertising rules. While the intent to protect minors is reasonable, the legislation expands the role of government in regulating private business aesthetics and marketing decisions. From a limited government perspective, this sets a concerning precedent of subjective standards. It also creates legal ambiguity about what qualifies as a “celebrity” or what “resembles a food product,” potentially increasing regulatory costs and enforcement burdens. A better approach would be to encourage voluntary compliance through industry guidelines and parental engagement.

Subject: Senate Bill 1316 (SB 1316) – E-cigarette Ad Bans

• Author: State Sen. Molly Cook (D-Houston)
• Caption: Relating to a prohibition on e-cigarette advertising in certain locations.
• TFR Position: OPPOSE
• Background: 
  • SB 1316 expands existing restrictions on cigarette ads to now include e-cigarettes, banning any advertisements within 1,000 feet of churches and schools. While the bill aims to protect minors from exposure to vape marketing, it imposes new limitations on legal businesses and property owners. The bill extends state regulation into what should be private market decisions. The enforcement burden and compliance tracking could require local or state resources, introducing a new layer of administrative oversight. For these reasons, TFR opposes SB 1316.  

Subject: Senate Bill 1592 (SB 1592) – Hotel tax centralization

• Author: State Sen. César Blanco (D-El Paso)
• Caption: Relating to the collection of state and local hotel occupancy taxes and assessments related to hotels by an accommodations intermediary.
• TFR Position: OPPOSE
• Background: 
  • SB 1592 forces online booking platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo to collect not just state hotel occupancy taxes, but also local hotel taxes on behalf of cities, counties, and public improvement districts. These companies must send all collected taxes to the Texas Comptroller, who will then distribute the local portion back to each taxing entity—effectively making the state the tax collector for local governments. While pitched as a way to improve compliance, the bill centralizes a function that has historically been handled at the local level, and further reinforces this tax on Texans. It imposes a new 1% state administrative fee, meaning local governments lose revenue just for the privilege of the state managing their taxes. For these reasons, TFR opposes SB 1592.

Subject: Senate Bill 1677 (SB 1677) – Study on Diabetes Amputation

• Author: State Sen. José Menéndez (D-San Antonio)
• Caption: Relating to a study on prevention and reduction of diabetes-related amputation.
• TFR Position: OPPOSE
• Background: 
  • SB 1677 orders a Texas university to partner with the state health department and conduct an in-depth study on how to reduce amputations caused by diabetes. This includes gathering data, forming a task force of health professionals and patients, and creating policy proposals aimed at prevention, treatment access, and awareness. While the intention is to save lives and improve care, the bill commits public resources and personnel time without clear limits on scope or cost. It grows government under the guise of research, adds a layer of bureaucracy, and risks mission creep into healthcare regulation and insurance mandates. Studies such as this are better done in the private sector, not mandated with taxpayer dollars.

Subject: Senate Bill 1758 (SB 1758) – Cement Kiln and Semiconductors

• Author: State Sen. Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury)
• Caption: Relating to the operation of a cement kiln and the production of aggregates near a semiconductor wafer manufacturing facility.
• TFR Position: NEUTRAL
• Background: 
  • SB 1758 sets up a temporary permitting freeze in Grayson County, restricting new cement kiln and aggregate production permits within 10 miles of certain semiconductor wafer facilities until 2031. It directs a study—costing $1.2 million—to assess whether industrial vibrations from cement and aggregate operations could interfere with semiconductor manufacturing. From a limited-government standpoint, this raises concerns about the state inserting itself into local industry disputes and using public dollars to fund research that benefits specific private companies. However, the bill attempts to prevent future litigation and protect long-term economic development and taxpayer dollars by creating clearer guidelines and more clarity on how these industries may affect one another. The liability shield for existing cement and aggregate operators is a good addition by protecting them from lawsuits related to future neighbors. The bill strikes a complicated balance between two major, critical industries—semiconductors and construction materials. For these reasons, TFR is Neutral.

Subject: Senate Bill 1818 (SB 1818) – Temporary work licenses for Military

• Author: State Sen. Kelly Hancock (R-North Richland Hills)
• Caption: Relating to the issuance of a license or provisional license to certain military service members, military veterans, and military spouses to engage in a business or occupation in this state.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 1818 helps military families quickly get to work when they move to Texas. It allows military members, veterans, and their spouses to receive a temporary license to work in their profession for up to six months while their full application is processed. This eliminates long wait times caused by delays from other states in verifying credentials. The bill also gives state agencies the option to issue full licenses immediately, cutting red tape and saving administrative costs. 

Subject: Senate Bill 2148 (SB 2148) – Grid security coordination

• Author: State Sen. Bob Hall (R-Edgewood)
• Caption: Relating to the reliability of the electricity supply chain.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 2148 strengthens the reliability of Texas’ power grid by requiring electric providers and regulators to routinely prepare for physical attacks on critical substations. These facilities are key to keeping the lights on, and if sabotaged, could lead to widespread blackouts. The bill ensures that all major grid players—including power companies, ERCOT, and law enforcement—are on the same page through mandatory drills. It smartly protects sensitive infrastructure details from government overreach by not requiring disclosure of substation locations. This proactive approach avoids costly emergencies by emphasizing coordination and preparedness, not bureaucracy or mandates.

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Reminder: Vote Notices are provided to both Texas state lawmakers and the general public, sharing Texans for Fiscal Responsibility’s position on issues 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.