Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
4 bills that modify the Local 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 1661
HB 3053 - Disannexation of certain property
HB 3137 - Cannot require gun owners to have liability insurance coverage
HB 3492
4 bills that modify the Local Government Code
Published: 2026-01-27
Multiple short modifications
HB 1661- 3 pages
Permits hiring fire fighters 36 or older if they cannot otherwise find individuals. They are considered temporary.
If you have been considered a temporary firefighter since December 31, 1969 and been continuously employed then you are granted full status of a civil service employee.
HB 3053 - 4 pages
If a municipality of 500,000 or more made a final annexation between March 3, 2015 and December 1, 2017; and the area annexed had some population, then this section applies. This permits the municipality to hold an election for disannexation, but they must be clear and concise regarding the area. If voter approved the area will be disannexed, except any special district for water treatment or storage will be retained.
HB 3137 - 4 pages
Prohibits municipality from adopting or enforcing regulations regarding firearm, air guns, knives, ammunition, or accessories thereof. They may not require gun owners to obtain liability insurance coverage. The major change here is regarding the liability insurance coverage.
HB 3492 - 5 pages
The cost of development cannot be used to determine the fee imposed by a municipality for applicants or inspections. In fact costs of improving a residence or public infrastructure may not be required unless required by FEMA for National Flood Insurance Program. Fees and how they are determined, must be available on the municipalities website, or by alternate means if they do not maintain one. These same rules apply to counties.
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