Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate State Affairs Committee Mar 24th, 2025

Meeting Video(s)

TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part I) Mar 24th, 2025 1 of 2

Senate State Affairs Committee

The meeting addressed several key pieces of legislation, including SB1626, which proposes to enhance Texans' ability to pursue legal action against social media platforms for censorship. The bill aims to provide statutory damages, making it easier for individuals to protect their free speech rights. Testimonies were heard from various public representatives expressing support for the bill, emphasizing its importance in maintaining free speech in the digital age. Other bills discussed included SB1719 and SB1494, each receiving varying levels of scrutiny and support.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Mar 24th, 2025 2 of 2

Senate State Affairs Committee

During this meeting of the Senate Committee on State Affairs, significant discussions revolved around Senate Bill 618, which seeks to establish civil penalties for election officials who fail to adhere to the Texas election laws. Proponents, including Dr. Laura Pesce from True Texas Elections, passionately advocated for the bill, emphasizing the need for accountability and integrity in the electoral process. The committee heard testimonies underscoring the importance of consistent application of election laws and the necessity to deter violations that undermine public trust in the elections. Many witnesses detailed personal experiences with administrative overreach and violations of election law that directly affect voters and candidates alike. In addition to SB 618, the committee also reviewed Senate Bill 1999. This bill was met with considerable opposition, particularly from advocates arguing that it would promote discrimination against transgender students and exacerbate bullying within schools. Testimonies portrayed stark contrasts between supporters who claimed it would uphold religious freedom and critics who argued it would harm vulnerable youth by legitimizing discrimination based on gender identity. Ultimately, the meeting evidenced the varied views on legislative intent and societal implications surrounding these bills.

Bills on the Agenda

TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB287

Filed
11/12/24  
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 
Relating to prohibiting the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises of certain sexually oriented businesses; creating a criminal offense; providing a criminal penalty.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB291

Filed
11/12/24  
Out of Senate Committee
3/31/25  
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 
Relating to the failure to disclose certain appraisal reports by an entity with eminent domain authority in connection with an offer to acquire real property.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB292

Filed
11/12/24  
Out of Senate Committee
3/31/25  
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 
Relating to certain requirements in connection with the acquisition of real property for public use by an entity with eminent domain authority.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB508

Filed
11/25/24  
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 
Relating to preparing and delivering precinct election returns; increasing a criminal penalty.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB618

Filed
12/13/24  
Out of Senate Committee
4/1/25  
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 
Relating to the unlawful altering of election procedures; providing a civil penalty.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB901

Filed
1/24/25  
Out of Senate Committee
3/31/25  
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 
Relating to the declaration of a candidate's ineligibility on the basis of filing an application for a place on the general primary election ballot or for nomination by convention with more than one political party.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1333

Filed
2/18/25  
Out of Senate Committee
3/31/25  
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 
Relating to the unauthorized entry, occupancy, sale, rental, lease, advertisement for sale, rental, or lease, or conveyance of real property, including the removal of certain unauthorized occupants of a dwelling; creating criminal offenses; increasing a criminal penalty; authorizing a fee.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1436

Filed
2/19/25  
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 
Relating to accepting an early voting ballot voted by mail; creating a criminal offense.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1494

Filed
2/20/25  
Out of Senate Committee
3/31/25  
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 
Relating to the authority of certain political subdivisions to change the date of their general elections.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1626

Filed
2/25/25  
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 
Relating to censorship of or certain other interference with digital expression, including expression on social media platforms or through electronic mail messages.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1719

Filed
2/27/25  
Out of Senate Committee
3/31/25  
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 
Relating to the rulemaking power of the Texas Supreme Court.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1999

Filed
3/6/25  
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 
Relating to protection for a public employee's or student's use of terms consistent with biological sex.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB38

Filed
3/14/25  
Out of Senate Committee
4/1/25  
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 
Relating to the eviction from real property of certain persons not entitled to enter, occupy, or remain in possession of the premises.