Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
8 more 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
HB 2201 - Housing certain inmates in state jail felony facilities
HB 2230 - Balance of economic stabilization fund for general revenue and state highway fund
HB 2248 - Designation of September 30 as Vanessa Guillen Day
HB 2518 - Required lease terms for lease of public property to nongovernmental entity
HB 2559 - Persons authorized to administer an oath in Texas
HB 2691 - Issuance of certain payments for persons who are indebted or delinquent in taxes owed to the state
HB 2708 - Visitation policies for inmates and state jail felony defendants
HB 2719 - Powers of the Texas Historical Commission over historic sites in Texas
8 more bills that modify the Government Code
Published: 2025-08-06
HB 2201
Housing certain inmates in state jail felony facilities
State jail felony facilities may be designated for inmates needing treatment for substance abuse.
HB 2230
Balance of economic stabilization fund for general revenue and state highway fund
This section is set to expire December 31, 2042 - previously expiring December 31, 2034. The expiration date was the only thing modified.
HB 2248
Designation of September 30 as Vanessa Guillen Day
In memory of the life and tragic death of Vanessa Guillen. To increase awareness and the military's response to missing persons, sexual assault, and sexual harassment for service members.
HB 2518
Required lease terms for lease of public property to nongovernmental entity
A leasor of public property must execute a payment bond in an amount equal to the amount of a contract to ensure faithful performance of their work in accordance with plans, specifications and contract documents. They must provide at least 90 days written notice before beginning construction, alternation or repair of any improvement to the lease property begins. The notice must state where the work will be performed, what the work is, the cost of the work, and include written acknowledgement stating copies of performance and payment bonds will be provided to all subcontracts not later than the 5th day after a subcontract is executed.
The government has 10 days to notify the lease holder that the work may not commence.
HB 2559
Persons authorized to administer an oath in Texas
A retired justice of the peace and a comptroller (or former) of public accounts are added.
HB 2691
Issuance of certain payments for persons who are indebted or delinquent in taxes owed to the state
Notice, other than for matters in the family law, must be provided to the person who is indebted to the state and been reported to the controller. It must include the name of the person indebted, the amount, the agency contact, and any options for eliminating the indebtedness. If the comptroller has a warrant, then they may initiate a funds transfer for the indebtedness.
HB 2708
Visitation policies for inmates and state jail felony defendants
Whether video visitation is permitted or not, in-person visitation must be allowed for all eligible inmates. In-Person visitation may be temporarily suspended for health or safety emergencies.
HB 2719
Powers of the Texas Historical Commission over historic sites in Texas
Property may now be acquired by purchase or fits or in any other manner that follows the criteria the commission outlines. Before adding real property, the commission must set out funding for restoration, interpretation, development, long-term operation and preservation. No real property may be added without adequate financial resources available or assured for the restoration, interpretation, development, long-term operation, and preservation.
A grant for a historic courthouse may not exceed $10 million (previously $6 million) or 2 percent of the amount appropriated for preservation program.
The commission may establish, manage, and operate gift and souvenir retail establishments and provide retail services through the Internet or other electronic means. This is meant to support and promote state historic sites.
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