Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
4 additional bills that modify the Government Code
A Blog about 88th Legislature Laws
A Bit of Background
The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 88th Legislature Laws as it relates to that topic.
Brief Summary of Texas
Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.
Summary of 88th Legislature Laws
The blogs here will discuss the laws passed by Congress and signed into law, as well as those, passed by Congress and approved by the voters to become law. There are a multitude of laws and each time I post blogs I will notate here the current effective date if it is different from prior blogs. I am currently posting bills that took effect immediately - those bills total 336. I am currently posting regarding larger bills, so each blog covers a single bill.
Blog Summary
HB 30 - Access to law enforcement, corrections, and prosecutorial records
HB 44 - Provider discrimination against Medicaid recipient based upon immunization status
HB 103 - Appointment of retired or former judges as visiting judges
HB 255 - Notary public and increasing certain fees
4 additional bills that modify the Government Code
Published: 2025-06-12
HB 30
Access to law enforcement, corrections, and prosecutorial records
Exceptions to disclosure do not apply to those who are deceased or incapacitated, unless they are a peace officer. Or if they are a person who has their authority consents.
HB 44
Provider discrimination against Medicaid recipient based upon immunization status
If a provider participates in Medicaid or a child health plan program, they cannot discriminate based solely on vaccination status. They can adopt a policy that requires specific vaccinations and provides exemptions based on the following:
- reason of conscience, including sincerely held religious belief, observance, or practice, that is incompatible with vaccination; or
- a recognized medical condition for which the vaccination is contraindicated
These do not apply to providers specializing in oncology or organ transplant services.
HB 103
Appointment of retired or former judges as visiting judges
To be a visiting judge for a probate, guardianship, or mental health matters judge; the judge must have served for at least 48 months in a statutory probate court.
A former constitutional county judge means one that served for at least 96 months in a constitutional county court or at least 48 months in a constitutional county court and is a licensed attorney in Texas. A former constitutional county judge may be a visiting judge for a county court position.
HB 255
Notary public and increasing certain fees
Notary public may not provide a copy of their seal to another person or affix it other than to authenticate their official act. Notary may record the expiration of an identification card if it is used to identify a person to the notary.
The following fees are changed:
- taking the acknowledgement or proof of a deed is $10 for the first signature and $1 for each additional signature (this was previously $6 and $1);
- administering an oath or affirmation is now $10 (was $6);
- for a certificate under sale is now $10 (was $6);
- for a copy of a record or paper is now $1 per page (was $.50 per page);
- for taking the deposition of a witness is now $1 per 100 words(was $.50 per 100 words);
- for swearing a witness to a deposition, certificate or seal is now $10 (was $6);
- for other notary act is now $10 (was $6)
The secretary of state is now required to adjust the fees every 5 years by applying the inflation rate.
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