Texans for Fiscal Responsibility has issued the following vote notice for April 15th, 2025

Texas House of Representatives

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Subject: House Bill 20 (HB 20) – Skilled trades high school certification

• Author: State Rep. Gary Gates (R-Richmond)
• Caption: Relating to establishing the Applied Sciences Pathway program.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • HB 20 creates a career and technical education program for Texas high school juniors and seniors that lets them earn both their diploma and an industry-recognized certificate at the same time. It connects public schools with colleges so students can take hands-on courses in high-wage, high-demand fields like welding, cybersecurity, HVAC, and robotics. This bill gives students practical options besides just four-year degrees, helping them graduate ready to enter the workforce without debt. The bill encourages efficient use of taxpayer funds by aligning education with real labor market needs and reducing long-term reliance on public assistance. It also avoids growing government bureaucracy by using existing institutions and voluntary partnerships. Ultimately, HB 20 empowers students while keeping government spending targeted and results-driven.

Subject: House Bill 100 (HB 100) – Bans use of rejected Education materials

• Author: State Rep. Terri Leo-Wilson (R-Galveston)
• Caption: Relating to the purchase, adoption, and use of instructional materials by public schools.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • HB 100 strengthens oversight of what instructional materials public schools can use by clearly banning the use of state or local funds on content that has been formally rejected by the State Board of Education. The bill closes a loophole in existing law that allowed districts to bypass the SBOE’s decisions and adopt materials that were rejected. It also ensures that taxpayer dollars are not spent on materials that could be considered inappropriate or harmful. This bill protects taxpayers by preventing wasteful spending on non-compliant or ideologically driven content, promotes accountability, and reinforces local and state oversight.

Subject: House Bill 210 (HB 210) – Prohibits vendor-conflict school deals

• Author: State Rep. Ryan Guillen (R-Rio Grande City)
• Caption: Relating to contracting with a school district or open-enrollment charter school by a vendor with whom a member of the board of trustees or governing body of the district or school or a related individual has certain business interests; creating a criminal offense.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • HB 210 cracks down on unethical contracting practices in Texas public schools and charter schools by preventing vendors from doing business with districts if a board member or their close relatives have financial ties to the vendor. It also bans deals where school officials receive valuable gifts or services from vendors. By creating criminal penalties for violations, the bill discourages insider deals and protects taxpayer funds from being funneled into sweetheart arrangements. The legislation increases punishment for repeat offenders and makes it a felony when bribes or payoffs are involved. From a fiscally conservative viewpoint, this bill promotes transparency, deters corruption, and ensures that school contracts are awarded based on merit—not political connections or personal enrichment.

Subject: House Bill 1393 (HB 1393) – Permanent daylight saving time

• Author: State Rep. Will Metcalf (R-Montgomery)
• Caption: Relating to daylight saving time.
• TFR Position: OPPOSE
• Background: 
  • HB 1393 proposes that Texas adopt permanent daylight saving time (DST), but only if Congress passes legislation allowing states to do so. While framed as a solution to the disruption caused by switching clocks twice a year, this bill unnecessarily delays action and locks Texas into a less healthy, less efficient system. Under current federal law, Texas can already move to permanent standard time immediately, without waiting on Congress — a simpler and more effective way to end clock changes now. Permanent DST has been linked to increased public safety and health risks. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, DST misaligns natural circadian rhythms, increasing risks of heart attacks, strokes, and car accidents, particularly during darker morning hours. In contrast, permanent standard time better aligns with human biology, improves sleep, and reduces those risks. A 2020 position statement by the AASM explicitly recommends permanent standard time for these reasons. From a limited government standpoint, HB 1393 represents an unnecessary expansion of state involvement in manipulating time. Rather than waiting on federal permission to implement a permanent DST, Texas should act independently now by adopting permanent standard time — a healthier, safer, and more taxpayer-friendly solution.

Subject: House Bill 1268 (HB 1268) – New Corporate Welfare

• Author: State Rep. Angie Button (R-Garland)
• Caption: Relating to the creation of the Texas technology and innovation program.
• TFR Position: OPPOSE
• Background: 
  • HB 1268 creates a new state grant program to provide additional taxpayer funding to businesses that already receive federal innovation grants. While intended to promote technology and job growth, it duplicates federal efforts and expands state taxpayer corporate welfare. The bill imposes new costs on taxpayers, totaling nearly $2 million in just the first two years and requiring new state employees and infrastructure. Moreover, the actual grant costs are indeterminate, meaning the financial liability to taxpayers could grow substantially over time with no built-in cost cap. Texas already competes well for innovation without creating yet another taxpayer-funded subsidy system. This bill expands the role of state government in picking economic winners and losers through grants. Rather than grow bureaucracy, Texas should reduce tax and regulatory burdens across the board to spur innovation organically.

Texas Senate

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Subject: Senate Bill 30 (SB 30) – Civil litigation damages reform

• Author: State Sen. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown)
• Caption: Relating to recovery of damages in civil actions.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT / AMEND
• Background: 
  • SB 30 aims to rein in inflated damage awards in personal injury lawsuits by limiting what evidence can be used to prove medical costs and tightening standards for awarding pain and suffering damages. It ensures that only amounts actually paid—or capped at 300% of Medicare rates—can be submitted as evidence, helping prevent legal abuse and excessive jury awards. The bill enhances transparency by requiring disclosure of financial ties between attorneys and medical providers, a reform that protects taxpayers from inflated litigation costs in publicly funded cases. These changes help stabilize liability insurance rates and reduce the risk of jackpot verdicts that raise costs for businesses and consumers alike. By clearly defining non-economic damages and barring emotional manipulation in trials, it promotes a more disciplined and objective judicial process. However, the bill should be improved by giving juries more flexibility to fairly assess legitimate pain and suffering on a case-by-case basis, especially in cases with profound long-term harm. The bill should also allow judges limited discretion to admit additional evidence when strict limits might create injustice or deny fair recovery. Without such safeguards, the bill risks tilting too far in favor of defendants and limiting access to justice for genuinely harmed plaintiffs. With these amendments, the bill would strike a better balance between curbing excess and preserving fairness in the civil justice system.

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 creates a Texas Grid Security Commission to evaluate and plan for threats to the state’s electric grid, particularly within the ERCOT system. The commission will study how disasters—whether natural or man-made—could cripple electric service and vital infrastructure, and it must recommend strategies to enhance grid resilience. Unlike other efforts, this one focuses on coordinated, statewide planning and private sector input without expanding regulatory burdens or creating costly mandates. Rather than relying on tax incentives or subsidies to attract businesses, Texas would boost economic confidence by ensuring power reliability, which is more valuable to industry in the long run. By using existing agencies and experts, the bill takes a fiscally responsible approach that prioritizes preparedness over costly emergency responses.

Subject: Senate Bill 636 (SB 636) – Grows taxpayer-funded health benefits

• Author: State Sen. Nathan Johnson (D-Dallas)
• Caption: Relating to coverage for mental health conditions and substance use disorders under certain governmental health benefit plans.
• TFR Position: OPPOSE
• Background: 
  • SB 636 mandates that government-run health plans for state employees, teachers, and university staff provide the same level of mental health and substance use coverage as they do for physical health care. This bill imposes a significant cost burden on taxpayer-funded benefit systems. It eliminates existing cost-saving flexibility for state-managed health plans and shifts enforcement duties to internal government bodies, removing oversight by the Texas Department of Insurance. These new coverage mandates may force higher premiums or reduce benefits elsewhere in the plan. At a time when many Texans are struggling to afford their own insurance, expanding state obligations without clear funding or accountability is fiscally irresponsible. This bill ultimately grows government and increases taxpayer liability with little guarantee of better outcomes.

Subject: Senate Bill 747 (SB 747) – AI image abuse prevention

• Author: State Sen. Phil King (R-Weatherford)
• Caption: Relating to public school policies and programs regarding the production or distribution of certain intimate visual material by public school students.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 747 strengthens school discipline and anti-bullying policies to address the rising threat of students creating or sharing explicit images—whether real or AI-generated—of their peers. By explicitly allowing disciplinary action for these behaviors, schools can respond swiftly without waiting on costly legal proceedings. The bill updates the definition of cyberbullying and requires schools to adopt clear policies and preventative programs. These proactive measures empower districts to handle issues in-house, potentially reducing liability risks and avoiding expensive litigation. No new state spending or bureaucracy is created, and the bill allows districts to implement these standards in a way that works for them. This is a commonsense policy that prevents future problems, respects the dignity of persons, and protects personal liberties.

Subject: Senate Bill 1524 (SB 1524) – Protects foster parents’ 2A privacy

• Author: State Sen. Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston)
• Caption: Relating to the collection and confidentiality of information regarding weapons in agency foster homes; creating a civil penalty.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 1524 protects the privacy of foster families by prohibiting state agencies and their contractors from requiring detailed disclosures about firearms kept in the home. While confirming whether weapons are present is allowed, agencies cannot ask about or track specific types of firearms. This better protects foster parents’ Second Amendment rights are respected and shields them from unnecessary government intrusion. By limiting data collection and use, the bill reduces bureaucratic overreach and keeps administrative costs in check. It also imposes civil penalties on agencies that violate these protections. Additionally, it ensures this information cannot be released under open records laws, defending individual privacy. This bill supports a limited government framework while removing a potential deterrent for families willing to serve as foster parents.

Subject: Senate Bill 1577 (SB 1577) – Alcohol sales at racetracks

• Author: State Sen. Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound)
• Caption: Relating to the temporary sale of alcoholic beverages at certain racing facilities.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 1577 allows large motor racing venues like Texas Motor Speedway to sell distilled spirits, in addition to beer and wine, during events. It removes outdated limitations such as the cap on how many times alcohol can be sold per year and how many concession stands can participate. The bill simplifies and modernizes regulations, making it easier for venues to serve fans while still enforcing common-sense restrictions to prevent overconsumption. Fans retain the right to bring their own drinks, maintaining personal freedom and limiting unnecessary enforcement. From a fiscally conservative view, this bill enhances revenue opportunities, personal liberty and deregulation, without new government spending.

Subject: Senate Bill 1667 (SB 1667) – Modernizes expunction notice procedures

• Author: State Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo)
• Caption: Relating to the procedures for the expunction of arrest records and files; authorizing a fee.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 1667 makes it easier and more affordable for individuals to clear their criminal records through expunction. It requires government agencies to accept expunction notifications electronically, which cuts mailing costs and saves time. If an agency can’t receive notices digitally, a flat $25 fee per agency applies—making the cost more predictable for applicants. The bill also allows courts to keep expunction orders indefinitely, ensuring individuals can access their records later without restarting the process. This bill reduces government spending on paper mailings, standardizes fees, and modernizes processes, all while respecting privacy. It promotes efficiency, protects taxpayers from unpredictable costs, and limits bureaucratic red tape.

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: 
  • [UPDATED] 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 1806 (SB 1806) – Crackdown on oil theft

• Author: State Sen. Kevin Sparks (R-Midland)
• Caption: Relating to the inspection, purchase, sale, possession, storage, transportation, and disposal of petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, and oil and gas waste; creating criminal offenses and increasing the punishment for an existing criminal offense.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 1806 strengthens property rights and market integrity in Texas’s energy sector by increasing penalties for stealing or illegally handling petroleum products and oilfield equipment. It gives law enforcement tools to inspect petroleum shipments, seize stolen product, and recover its value without the need for prolonged storage or legal delays. Officers trained under new guidelines can test samples and coordinate sales through private contractors, avoiding unnecessary government buildup. The bill also targets unauthorized drilling or use of disposal wells, reinforcing existing regulatory requirements with clearly defined criminal penalties. Rather than creating new bureaucracies, it sharpens enforcement of current law and protects legitimate businesses from bad actors. By promoting responsible use of state resources and ensuring private property is respected, the bill reflects core conservative principles.

Subject: Senate Bill 1927 (SB 1927) – Municipal tree ordinances

• Author: State Sen. Adam Hinojosa (R-Corpus Christi)
• Caption: Relating to municipal regulation of the removal of an Ashe juniper tree.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 1927 ensures that homeowners have the freedom to remove Ashe juniper trees from their residential property without needing permission from their city or paying mitigation fees. This change removes an unnecessary layer of local regulation and affirms private property rights. The bill protects homeowners from burdensome compliance costs and prevents cities from collecting fees that act as hidden taxes. By limiting local overreach, the bill supports smaller government and reduces municipal interference in personal property decisions. The law aligns with free-market principles by removing obstacles that can raise costs for homeowners. It also prevents cities from using environmental rules to grow bureaucracies or extract revenue under the guise of tree protection. For these reasons, TFR supports SB 1927.

Subject: Senate Bill 1960 (SB 1960) – Protects personal voice and likeness rights

• Author: State Sen. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown)
• Caption: Relating to digital replication rights in the voice and visual likeness of individuals; providing private causes of action; authorizing a fee.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 1960 safeguards Texans from having their voices or likenesses digitally cloned without their consent—especially by AI. It recognizes these attributes as personal property and empowers individuals and their heirs to control and license their use, even after death. The bill also creates a legal framework for enforcing those rights, allowing victims to sue bad actors and requiring online platforms to quickly remove violations. From a fiscally conservative standpoint, this bill protects individuals from exploitation. It sets clear boundaries for tech companies without imposing unnecessary regulation, and it keeps enforcement in private hands rather than through new state agencies. This empowers Texans, respects personal property, and encourages innovation while protecting privacy.

Subject: Senate Bill 1962 (SB 1962) – Streamlines school testing, adds oversight

• Author: State Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston)
• Caption: Relating to the assessment of public school students, public school accountability and actions, and proceedings challenging the operations of the public school system.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT / AMEND
• Background: 
  • SB 1962 restructures how public school students are tested in Texas by phasing out the STAAR exam and implementing a shorter, multi-stage assessment designed to better reflect student learning and progress. The bill also significantly shifts control of assessment and accountability systems away from the elected State Board of Education and places it under the Texas Education Agency—an unelected bureaucracy. It enhances the state’s A–F school rating system, expands indicators for college, career, and military readiness, and limits the ability of school districts to use taxpayer funds to sue the state over accountability systems. The bill also creates a grant program to help districts develop local accountability systems and limits excessive benchmark testing.
  • The bill contains several commendable elements, such as reducing burdensome testing, involving teachers in scoring, and aiming to make assessments more instructional. However, the transfer of broad authority to an unelected agency is deeply concerning and reduces public accountability. The bill also expands state spending by more than $36 million over five years and grows TEA’s bureaucracy by 16 new employees, with no clear sunset or performance measures. The bill should be amended to cap new spending, include automatic audits, and return authority to the SBOE.

Subject: Senate Bill 2023 (SB 2023) – New state burial grants

• Author: State Sen. César Blanco (D-El Paso)
• Caption: Relating to the establishment of a grant program to support the disposition of deceased paupers’ bodies.
• TFR Position: OPPOSE
• Background: 
  • SB 2023 would create a new state-run grant program to subsidize counties for costs related to burying deceased indigent individuals. While this may help local governments manage rising burial expenses, it establishes a new, permanent spending program funded by state general revenue. Rather than encouraging counties to pursue cost-saving burial alternatives or partnerships with local churches or nonprofits, this bill expands state taxpayer’s financial responsibility without placing guardrails on long-term costs. It creates a new dedicated account that could grow over time, becoming yet another recurring line item in the state budget. No cost-containment strategies, performance metrics, or sunset provisions are included. This is a well-intentioned but inappropriate expansion of government. For these reasons, TFR opposes SB 2023.

Subject: Senate Bill 2056 (SB 2056) – Regulations are credit cards

• Author: State Sen. Kelly Hancock (R-North Richland Hills)
• Caption: Relating to anticompetitive and other unlawful practices and to certain required disclosures relating to credit card transactions; providing a civil penalty.
• TFR Position: OPPOSE
• Background: 
  • SB 2056 targets credit card companies and networks, aiming to reduce hidden fees by banning certain pricing practices and mandating detailed fee disclosures to both merchants and consumers. The bill empowers the Attorney General to investigate and fine violators. The bill introduces significant regulatory burdens, including monthly line-item disclosures and broad restrictions on pricing methods. This expands state oversight and may trigger unintended compliance costs or limit private-sector flexibility. The bill grants the state broad enforcement power and raises concerns about government intrusion into private contracts and the risk of overregulation in what is already a highly competitive financial and credit card sector. For these reasons, TFR opposes SB 2056.

Subject: Senate Bill 2122 (SB 2122) – Fees for energy waste

• Author: State Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo)
• Caption: Relating to imposition of application fees for certain permits and permit amendments for the disposal of oil and gas waste.
• TFR Position: OPPOSE
• Background: 
  • SB 2122 imposes higher fees for various oil and gas waste permits, ranging from $200 to $3,000 depending on the type of facility or amendment. While the stated goal is to improve environmental oversight and fund regulatory operations, this bill effectively raises operational costs on Texas energy producers—costs that could ultimately be passed to consumers. Introducing new revenue streams through fee hikes is a form of government expansion. There are no clear performance metrics or oversight mechanisms tied to this increased funding, leaving room for inefficient government spending. The bill adds financial barriers to entry and may deter smaller or newer operators from participating in Texas’s energy market. This fee structure grows government and is a hidden tax on private companies.

Subject: Senate Bill 2183 (SB 2183) – Statewide uniform fireworks sales

• Author: State Sen. Adam Hinojosa (R-Corpus Christi)
• Caption: Relating to the periods during which a retail fireworks permit holder may sell fireworks to the public.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 2183 creates a uniform statewide schedule for when retail fireworks can be sold to the public. Instead of counties deciding whether to allow sales on certain holidays, the bill authorizes specific sales periods for Texas Independence Day, San Jacinto Day, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, and Diwali. This removes bureaucratic red tape and inconsistent enforcement and sales across counties. It also simplifies operations for small businesses that sell fireworks, saving them time and compliance costs. This bill limits regulatory barriers and promotes free enterprise and consumer choice, ensuring consistent statewide access.

Subject: Senate Bill 2207 (SB 2207) – Cuts red tape for doctors

• Author: State Sen. Bob Hall (R-Edgewood)
• Caption: Relating to prohibiting the Texas Medical Board from regulating certain physician advertising.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 2207 reins in bureaucratic overreach by stopping the Texas Medical Board from micromanaging how physicians advertise their board certifications. Under current rules, physicians face burdensome fees and red tape just to tell patients they’ve earned certification from reputable medical boards. This bill cuts those unnecessary costs and restrictions, allowing physicians to advertise freely as long as they disclose the certifying board. It rightly distinguishes between state licensure (which protects public health) and voluntary board certification (which reflects a physician’s initiative and expertise). By eliminating fees and paperwork, it reduces unnecessary government interference in the free market. The bill supports transparency for patients while encouraging professional excellence, without letting a state agency act as gatekeeper.

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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.