Legislative Blog

J.B. Williams, J.D.

5 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

Multiple small modifications to the Government code initiated in the Senate. One of which provides automatic inflation increases for low income housing credits.

5 additional bills that modify the Government Code

Published: 2025-09-17

Multiple short modifications

SB 943 - If the Texas Press Association maintains an internet website as a statewide repository of notices, then .... any notice published in a newspaper requires the newspaper to post it on a free section of their website, if they have one, and to provide it to the Texas Press Association. The Texas Press Association website must ensure free accessibility to the public for notices, that the notices are searchable and sortable, and offer an e-mail notification service.

SB 956 - Removes the coordinated strategic plan for health and human services in Texas.

SB 1045 - A 15th court of appeals was added. This court is in Austin and may transact its business in any county in the district that it considers necessary and convenient. Each year a report must be made that states the number and types of cases heard by the 15th court of appeals.

The 15th court of appeals cannot hear criminal matters. The 15th court of appeals has exclusive intermediate appellate jurisdiction in the following civil case matters:

1. matters brought by or against state or boards or other agency of the executive branch, including university and institutes of higher education, other than
   • one in the Family Code proceeding,
   • the Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 7B or Article 17.292,
   • against a district attorney/ criminal district attorney, or county attorney with criminal jurisdiction,
   • relating to a mental health commitment;
   • relating to civil asset forfeiture;
   • condemnation proceeding for acquisition of land or eminent domain;
   • tort claims;
   • claim of personal injury or wrongful death;
   • proceeding to enjoin common nuisance under Chapter 125 of the Civil Practices and Remedies code;
   • expunction of criminal records;
   • non-disclosure of criminal history records;
   • employment discrimination;
   • civil commitment of sexually violent predators
2. challenge to the constitutionality or validity of a state stature or rule and the attorney general is a party to the case;

SB 1112 - The Public Utility Commission of Texas can get criminal history records for authorized purposes. They may not otherwise disclose the information unless there is a court order or the person agrees to the disclosure. The criminal history record may be destroyed after they have used it. The Department of Public Safety may get criminal history records for a prospective employee or vendor.

SB 1146 - When transporting female prisoners for nonemergency medical treatment they must ensure searches are conducted in an area and manner consistence with the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003; that the buses have bathrooms with adequate toilet paper and feminine hygiene products; that the inmates receive sufficient nutrition; and housing facilities have an adequate number of beds.

Working with Texas Medical Branch of Galveston and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, there shall be procedures to increase telemedicine and telehealth services. They should also expand on-site medical care, including on-site mobile care providing diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, and other appropriate care.

I am sincerely hoping that the transport for men has spelled out rules similar to those for women.

 

J.B. Williams, J.D.

4,312 federal laws were passed from 1995 through December 2016.
Along with 88,819 federal rules and regulations.