Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
5 House Bills
A Blog about 89th Legislative Session
A Bit of Background
The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 89th Legislative Session 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 89th Legislative Session
This subtopic contains a list of some of the "new" laws reviews. Total laws signed/voted into effect = 1,192. This will begin with an appropriations bill, and then go through a few that went into effect immediately. The following dates were when different laws took, or will take, effect: 7/1/25; 9/1/25; 9/5/25; 9/17/25; 10/1/25; 12/5/25; 1/1/26; 6/1/26; 8/1/26; 9/1/26; 1/1/27; 4/1/27; 9/1/27; 1/1/28
Blog Summary
HB 467
HB 1965 - commission to improve veteran mental health services
HB 2128 - rural firefighter versus urban evaluation
HB 2193
HB 3284 - temporary creation of Texas Commission on Marriage and Family
5 House Bills
Published: 2026-07-15
HB 467 - 5 pages
Set out rules for dissolving the Cedar Creek Hospital District. The most important was the the district is not providing or paying for medical or hospital care. The second most important was that they have no indebtedness.
This district apparently crosses Kaufman, Van Zandt, and Henderson Counties. Therefore the county judges were in charge of making proper determinations.
HB 1965 - 3 pages
This created a commission to study ways to improve mental health services for service members, veterans, and family members of. It is to focus on certified peer service coordinators in rural communities. Their report is due December 1, 2026 and this section expires September 1, 2027.
HB 2128 - 3 pages
This created a study through the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Services. They are to study rural firefighting and compare it with urban municipalities. Things to consider are available funding for personnel and equipment; the number of qualified candidates; opportunities for training that is affordable. Their report is due December 1, 2026 and this section expires September 1, 2027.
I'll be interested to see this report since I know of 1 rural fire station that is volunteer and that the community where I own property has made donations to ensure they had equipment. First we donated 1/2 the cost of a foam truck. Second we donated to ensure they had proper gear, including uniforms, gloves, masks. And I know when there have been house fires, the owners of the home have written a check to ensure the foam truck is refilled. Thankfully that cost has remained fairly low with the forest services.
HB 2193 - 3 pages
A study is to be conducted by the Texas Veterans Commission. They are determining the number of veterans in Texas that are entitled to benefits under state or federal law; where they are located; how many advisors are employed (this should be easy); the number of advisors necessary to perform their duties in the most efficient manner; and the cost of such. When looking at efficiency, they must look at geographic areas and the option of multiple counties being served by 1 location while minimizing drive times and distances for veterans.
Their report was due June 1, 2026 and their section expires January 1, 2027.
HB 3284 - 5 pages
This section creates the Texas Commission on Marriage and Family. It is comprised of 3 members appointed by the Governor; 2 members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor; and 2 members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The members should include an attorney certified in family law; child and family counselors; child development experts; community-based nonprofit organization leaders that promote healthy marriage and parenting; and members of the clergy.All members serve without compensation but are entitled to actual and necessary expenses reimbursement.
All meetings must be open to the public. They may be conducted in person, by phone, or other means of communication. The Health and Human Services Commission provides administrative support services, including meeting space and assistance in drafting/compiling reports.
This commission was created because the Texas legislature found that it is in the state's best interest to promote lasting marriage and the practice of raising children in stable, two-parent households. They feel it is necessary to identify state laws, rules and practices that discourage Texans from marrying and raising children.
The commission needs to evaluate state laws, rules and policies that discourage Texas from marrying and raising children. They are to review state-funded premarital education programs promoting marriage and those programs encouraging family formation and successful parenting. They are to make recommendations regarding necessary changes to state laws, rules, and regulations that are detrimental and policies/programs to support strong, lasting marriages and healthy family connections.
Their report is due November 1, 2026 and this section expires December 31, 2026.
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