Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
8 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 3514
HB 3526 - Solar pergolas are not buildings
HB 3613
HB 3697
HB 3699
HB 3908
HB 4227
HB 4446 - Game rooms require licensing
8 bills that modify the Local Government Code
Published: 2026-01-29
Multiple short modifications
HB 3514 - 2 pages
This relates to annexation by municipalities of less than 3,000 with regard to water or sewer districts. This is permissible if all parties agree.
HB 3526 - 2 pages
Solar pergolas do not have to follow municipal building code construction.
HB 3613 - 2 pages
Governing members of municipality are elected at the same time but may have staggered terms.
HB 3697 - 10 pages
If a tract owner outside a municipality wishes to dedicate part of a tract to public use, then they must submit a plat to the county. It also outlines guidelines for approval and appeal.
HB 3699 - 13 pages
Municipalities can set reasonable specifications for street/road drainage and the construction thereof. This is meant to ensure proper subdivision drainage.
If a tract owner within a municipality wishes to dedicate part of a tract to public use, then they must submit a plat to the municipality. It also outlines guidelines for approval and appeal.
HB 3980 - 4 pages
Firefights can choose to donate business leave time to an account and choose if they wish to continue doing so. It appears this is an account to pay for leave time.
HB 4227 - 2 pages
Voters in a municipality can choose to repeal Chapter 143.004 of the Local Government Code if they are small than 950,000. Previously the population number did not exist.
HB 4446 - 4 pages
Game rooms in counties can require permits or licensing, as can employees of said game rooms. The game room fee is $1,000. For both, name and contact information, fingerprints (owner or employee), valid state-issued id or other id and social security card, and consent for criminal history are required.
Webpage created by and for J.B. Williams, J.D. - all rights reserved