Texans for Fiscal Responsibility has issued the following vote notice for April 14th, 2025

Texas House of Representatives

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Subject: House Joint resolution 5 (HJR 5) – Permanent fund for technical college

• Author: State Rep. Stan Lambert (R-Abilene)
• Caption: Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of funds to support the capital needs of educational programs offered by the Texas State Technical College System and removing that system and its campuses from the annual appropriation of certain constitutionally dedicated funding for public institutions of higher education.
• TFR Position: OPPOSE
• Background: 
  • HJR 5 proposes a constitutional amendment to permanently carve out a new funding stream for the Texas State Technical College System by creating two special funds supported by an initial $850 million taken from taxpayers. While the bill aims to provide financial stability for technical college infrastructure, it effectively shields this funding from future legislative oversight and separates it from standard budget processes. This permanent and constitutionally protected carveout sets a dangerous precedent by bypassing the usual appropriations process and dedicating a massive chunk of taxpayer money outside the General Revenue fund. Once approved by voters, this fund would be locked in, limiting flexibility for future legislatures to reprioritize funding as needs change. For fiscal conservatives, this represents a step away from transparent budgeting, fuels government growth, and removes taxpayer accountability from education spending.

Texas Senate

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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 is an effort to prevent costly wildfires and strengthen local response capabilities without expanding government bureaucracy. The bill is largely a combination of three other bills, namely SB 868, SB 2980, and SB 767. It requires existing state institutions to study wildfire risks and recommend targeted solutions. The bill increases funding for volunteer fire departments—while ensuring at least 10% of funds are directed to communities most vulnerable to wildfires. It also creates a centralized database to help departments share equipment and coordinate responses more efficiently. Importantly, it holds oil and gas operators accountable for dangerous utility conditions that can spark fires. This approach helps to safeguard life and property, without creating new bureaucracies-leveraging existing regulatory bodies instead.

Subject: Senate Bill 310 (SB 310) – Bans ranked-choice voting

• Author: State Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola)
• Caption: Relating to the determination of a majority vote in certain elections.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 310 reinforces Texas’ commitment to straightforward election outcomes by clearly banning ranked-choice or preferential voting systems. Under this bill, a winning candidate must secure more than half of the votes actually cast in the initial tally, without any reallocation of votes through runoff-style processes. This ensures that election results are based on voters’ first choices, preserving the integrity of the majority requirement. The bill avoids the cost and complexity of implementing new voting infrastructure for ranked-choice systems. It also reduces potential voter confusion and administrative burdens, promoting transparency and accountability. By codifying a single, traditional voting method, it limits government overreach and prevents the backdoor introduction of confusing or potentially manipulated electoral systems.

Subject: Senate Bill 505 (SB 505) – Election integrity and accountability

• Author: State Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston)
• Caption: Relating to processes to address election irregularities; providing a civil penalty.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 505 introduces a formal system for raising and resolving concerns about election problems. If candidates or election officials notice issues—like vote discrepancies or documentation gaps—they can request an explanation from the county. If they’re not satisfied, they can escalate the matter to the Secretary of State, who can audit the election at the county’s expense. If violations are found, the state can impose fines or even appoint a conservator to oversee future elections in that county. This framework ensures accountability without relying on rarely-used election contests. The bill helps to protect election integrity, avoids costly lawsuits, and holds local officials financially responsible for errors. It also promotes efficient government by deterring repeated administrative failures.

Subject: Senate Bill 825 (SB 825) – Illegal immigration study

• Author: State Sen. Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston)
• Caption: Relating to an annual study on the economic, environmental, and financial impact of illegal immigration in this state.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 825 directs the Texas governor’s office to conduct a yearly study analyzing how illegal immigration affects the state’s economy, environment, and finances. With immigration-related costs to law enforcement, healthcare, education, and infrastructure on the rise, this bill ensures Texas taxpayers know exactly how much they’re paying. By requiring data-driven reporting every two years, the bill increases transparency and accountability in policymaking. It gives state leaders the tools they need to justify or reject costly spending tied to immigration. Rather than guessing, Texas can now measure the burden and seek real solutions. The bill also allows partnerships with universities and private experts—keeping costs low and efficiency high. While many government studies come with a heavy dose of skepticism, this is a commonsense measure with no additional costs to the taxpayer.

Subject: Senate Bill 870 (SB 870) – School Marshals open carry

• Author: State Sen. Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury)
• Caption: Relating to the open carrying of a handgun by a uniformed school marshal.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 870 clarifies and expands the authority of school marshals to openly carry firearms on school grounds, provided they are in uniform and subject to school board regulations. The bill allows each district or institution to decide if and how to implement it. By clearly authorizing open carry for trained marshals, the bill provides a cost-effective way to enhance school security without expanding government bureaucracy or mandating state spending. Overall, S.B. 870 strengthens school safety, protects local discretion, and does not impose new financial burdens on the state or taxpayers.

Subject: Senate Bill 1030 (SB 1030) – Sales tax exemption for aircraft maintenance

• Author: State Sen. Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville)
• Caption: Relating to the exemption from sales and use taxes for certain aircraft components and other property required for normal aircraft operations.
• TFR Position: OPPOSE
• Background: 
  • SB 1030 expands a current sales tax exemption on aircraft parts by removing existing limits on who owns the aircraft. Today, only commercial carriers and flight schools get this tax break. This bill would extend the exemption to any aircraft—including private, corporate, or recreational planes—if parts are permanently installed or consumed in operation. While supporters claim it will boost aviation maintenance activity in Texas, it’s a broad giveaway with no clear accountability. The change would cost the state nearly $17 million over two years and over $45 million over five years, with millions more lost by cities and counties. From a fiscally conservative standpoint, this is a special interest carve-out that erodes the sales tax base without delivering relief to everyday Texans. 

Subject: Senate Bill 1099 (SB 1099) – Higher penalties for illegal aliens

• Author: State Sen. Pete Flores (R-Pleasanton)
• Caption: Relating to increasing the criminal penalty for certain offenses committed by an illegal alien.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 1099 increases criminal penalties for felony offenses committed by individuals who are in the country illegally. Judges must determine and record this status during trial if proven beyond a reasonable doubt. When that happens, the punishment is automatically raised to the next higher level, and certain serious crimes could carry a mandatory 15-year minimum sentence. By imposing harsher penalties, the bill aims to deter unlawful border crossings that result in criminal behavior, reducing long-term burdens on law enforcement, courts, and correctional facilities. It also prioritizes safety for law-abiding citizens and helps limit taxpayer-funded services being consumed by repeat offenders who are not legally present.

Subject: Senate Bill 1233 (SB 1233) – Perinatal palliative care information

• Author: State Sen. Kelly Hancock (R-North Richland Hills)
• Caption: Relating to information regarding perinatal palliative care; creating an administrative penalty.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 1233 ensures that pregnant women carrying babies diagnosed with life-threatening conditions are informed of palliative care options, rather than left unaware of support resources. It requires the state health agency to compile and distribute informational materials, along with a list of care providers—without expanding government programs or funding new benefits. The law mandates that healthcare providers offer these materials at the point of diagnosis and obtain a signed form to confirm delivery of the information. There are no new entitlements created, just a focus on using existing infrastructure to improve communication and accountability. It also restricts inclusion of abortion-related providers, keeping the program aligned with Texas’ pro-life laws and taxpayer values. This is a targeted, low-cost effort to improve care coordination and support women and children.

Subject: Senate Bill 1333 (SB 1333) – Fast-track squatter removal

• Author: State Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola)
• Caption: Relating to the unauthorized entry, occupancy, sale, rental, lease, advertisement for sale, rental, or lease, or conveyance of real property, including the removal of certain unauthorized occupants of a dwelling; creating criminal offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; authorizing a fee.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 1333 empowers Texas property owners to quickly reclaim their property from squatters without enduring the lengthy and expensive civil eviction process. The bill streamlines law enforcement involvement by allowing sheriffs and constables to remove unlawful occupants after verifying ownership and receiving a sworn affidavit. This avoids court backlogs and taxpayer-funded judicial resources being spent on what are essentially cases of criminal trespass. By criminalizing fraudulent leases and sales of property, it protects legitimate ownership rights and deters abuse. Overall, this legislation is a win for property rights and ensures taxpayer money isn’t wasted enabling squatters. It restores trust in the rule of law and limits costly civil litigation.

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 1662 (SB 1662) – Water testing oversight

• Author: State Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo)
• Caption: Relating to notice provided to certain public drinking water supply systems before water quality testing.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 1662 improves accountability in water quality oversight by limiting how much advance notice water providers get before state inspectors test their water. Currently, some systems may manipulate water conditions to avoid accurate testing, which undermines transparency and leads to taxpayer-funded services delivering poor-quality water. By limiting notice to just 24 hours, this bill helps ensure water quality tests more accurately reflect conditions experienced by consumers. It increases trust in water safety without growing government or adding bureaucracy. Instead of creating new programs or spending more money, it simply adjusts a process to better serve the public.

Subject: Senate Bill 1750 (SB 1750) – Charter School Subsidy Increase

• Author: State Sen. Angela Paxton (R-McKinney)
• Caption: Relating to instructional facilities funding for certain open-enrollment charter schools.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • [UPDATED] SB 1750 helps to ensure better treatment for open-enrollment charter schools by removing the outdated $60 million cap on facilities funding and replacing it with a formula-based allotment. Unlike ISDs, charter schools cannot levy property taxes, leaving them at a structural disadvantage despite serving over 420,000 students, with growing demand. This bill corrects that imbalance without expanding bureaucracy and limits funds strictly to facilities-related uses, including school safety and instructional technology. It includes strong safeguards by prohibiting self-dealing in real estate transactions, ensuring accountability with taxpayer dollars. Charter schools are a successful model, with many consistently outperforming traditional public schools in Texas. State data and research from organizations like CREDO at Stanford University show that Texas charter school students generally make greater academic gains in reading and math compared to their traditional public school peers. The bill helps to promote competition and school choice without creating new entitlement programs or agencies. While Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) remain the gold standard for empowering parents, SB 1750 complements that goal by strengthening the infrastructure of public charter schools that many families already choose. This is a targeted investment that supports choice, parental rights, transparency, and more efficiency in Texas education.

Subject: Senate Bill 1791 (SB 1791) – Unresponsive Insurance Claims

• Author: State Sen. Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston)
• Caption: Relating to the effects of unresponsive insureds for a personal automobile insurance policy.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • [UPDATED] SB 1791 addresses a gap in Texas insurance law that unfairly burdens innocent third parties involved in auto accidents. Under current law, if an at-fault driver refuses to respond to their insurer, the only consequence is that their policy is not renewed — meanwhile, the injured party’s claim is denied outright. This forces the victim to either pay for the damage themselves, file on their own insurance and face premium hikes, or sue the at-fault driver with no guarantee of recovering legal costs. SB 1791 establishes a clear, reasonable standard: insurers must attempt to contact their policyholder at least five times over 45 days. If the insured remains unresponsive, the insurer must pay the third-party claim and non-renew the policy. This bill strengthens accountability for uncooperative drivers, ensures timely resolution for innocent parties, and prevents cost-shifting onto responsible Texans.

Subject: Senate Bill 1951 (SB 1951) – Stops hidden tax penalties

• Author: State Sen. Angela Paxton (R-McKinney)
• Caption: Relating to the imposition of a penalty for failure to timely file a rendition statement or property report with the chief appraiser of an appraisal district.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 1951 aims to strengthen transparency and fairness in how personal property tax penalties are handled by appraisal districts. Currently, taxpayers may unknowingly pay late rendition penalties that were never clearly communicated to them, and appraisal districts have a financial incentive to impose these penalties. This bill fixes those issues by requiring certified notice of penalties, mandating clear disclosure on tax bills, and eliminating the 5% kickback appraisal districts previously received. These reforms protect taxpayers from hidden fees, reduce the potential for abuse by local government entities, and promote clear communication. It’s a taxpayer-first approach that reduces government overreach, discourages revenue-driven penalty practices, and enhances accountability at the local level.

Subject: Senate Bill 2252 (SB 2252) – state education spending expansion

• Author: State Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe)
• Caption: Relating to measures to support kindergarten readiness and early literacy and numeracy skills for public school students, including an early childhood parental support program and prekindergarten programs in public schools, and to funding under the Foundation School Program for certain school districts and to support those measures.
• TFR Position: OPPOSE
• Background: 
  • SB 2252 imposes costly new education mandates by requiring early grade teachers across Texas to undergo state-designed training academies and by forcing schools to use state-approved reading and math screening tools. While aiming to improve early literacy and numeracy, the bill establishes expansive new grant programs and allotments that will drain taxpayer resources, costing over $581 million in just the first two years and more in the future. It expands government bureaucracy by growing TEA’s oversight role and requiring the hiring of additional state employees to administer and monitor these programs. Instead of empowering local schools and parents with flexible tools, the bill centralizes control in Austin. The new mandates may also burden schools with staffing and administrative costs not fully covered by the state. This bill represents an unsustainable growth in education spending without guaranteed outcomes or reform-based accountability. Redirecting funds to proven school choice initiatives would be a more efficient, taxpayer-friendly approach.

Subject: Senate Bill 2253 (SB 2253) – Government-Funded Educator Pipeline Program

• Author: State Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe)
• Caption: Relating to the certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency.
• TFR Position: OPPOSE
• Background: 
  • SB 2253 restructures Texas’s teacher certification process by introducing several new types of credentials and expanding residency-style educator training. It creates a new state-run program that funds school districts for hosting teacher candidates, with allotments ranging from $8,000 to $24,000 per candidate, plus bonuses for special education and bilingual placements. The bill also mandates minimum salary increases for new teachers holding certain certifications and gives one-time bonuses to uncertified teachers who become certified. These efforts are coupled with enhanced oversight of educator prep programs and the elimination of the existing, more targeted mentor program. The bill grows government spending by over $1.5 billion over five years without guaranteeing better outcomes, replaces a simpler existing program with a more bureaucratic one, and increases administrative burden at the Texas Education Agency.

Subject: Senate Bill 2368 (SB 2368) – Hostile nation grid access

• Author: State Sen. Donna Campbell (R-New Braunfels)
• Caption: Relating to affiliation with certain foreign entities of certain persons working or participating in the electricity market; increasing an administrative penalty.
• TFR Position: SUPPORT
• Background: 
  • SB 2368 reinforces Texas’ efforts to block companies linked to adversarial nations—like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran—from gaining access to critical power infrastructure. The bill empowers ERCOT to demand truthful disclosures and to suspend participation for suspicious entities. It also enables the Attorney General to investigate violations and enforce accountability. By imposing steep penalties of up to $1 million per violation, the bill adds real consequences for false reporting. These safeguards reduce foreign interference risks, protect taxpayer-funded infrastructure, and ensure state agencies aren’t burdened with costly fallout from compromised systems. 

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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.