Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
6 various 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 1620
HB 1639 - study of increased cancer in female firefighters
HB 1875 - obstacles of veterans accessing burial plots
HB 2688 - Firefighters and police officer retirement age was adjusted
HB 2802
HB 5693 - Commissioners to be elected each November in odd-numbered years
6 various Bills
Published: 2026-08-16
HB 1620 - 214 pages
There are nonsubstantive changes to several areas of law, and some adjusts to ensure they conform across codes.
HB 1639 - 3 pages
The commission is doing a study into the increased incidence of cancer in female firefighters in Texas. The report is due September 1, 2026.
HB 1875 - 2 pages
The General Land Office and the Texas Veterans Commission was studying the obstacles veterans face in accessing burial plots in veterans cemeteries and the opportunities to address the needs of veterans cemeteries. The report was due April 1, 2026.
HB 2688 - 16 pages
The Firefighters' Relief and Retirement Fund had specific rules for those existing in municipalities of at least 1,600,000 and it has been bumped up to 2,000,000. Adjustments were made to retirement age: they must have at least 20 years of service or age of 50 and 10 years of service.
The police officers' pension system retirement age was adjusted to 20 years of service or the age of 60 and 10 years of service.
HB 2802 - 63 pages
The Firefighters' Relief and Retirement Fund had specific rules for those existing in municipalities of at least 950,000 up to 1,050,000. Definitions for actuarial value of assets were adjusted, as well as, other definitions.
HB 5693 - 4 pages
District holds elections in November of each odd-numbered year for election of Commissioners.
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