Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB5283

Filed

3/14/25

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the operations of the Texas Military Department.

Impact

The implementation of HB 5283 is expected to enhance the operational readiness of the Texas military forces through the establishment of the Texas Military Readiness Fund, dedicated specifically for facility upgrades, equipment procurement, and training infrastructure expansion. This funding will ensure that the military can address modern challenges effectively while maintaining technological parity with active-duty forces. By creating a combat training center and increasing acquisition priorities for disaster response and counter-drone capabilities, the legislation aims to ensure that the Texas military forces are well-prepared to respond to both state and national emergencies.

Summary

House Bill 5283, titled the Texas Military Forces Modernization and Readiness Act, proposes significant enhancements to the operations of the Texas Military Department. The bill outlines the need for modernization of training infrastructure and equipment, citing that 96 percent of readiness centers are rated as deficient or failing. The Act aims to establish new training facilities specifically designed to prepare Texas military forces for evolving multi-domain threats, including urban warfare and cyber warfare. It also emphasizes the importance of increasing joint training opportunities with law enforcement agencies to improve domestic security coordination.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the potential allocation of funds and the overall prioritization of military modernization over other social needs. Opponents may argue that while enhancing military readiness is vital, it should not detract from public services or other essential programs. Additionally, the requirement for semiannual joint exercises could lead to budgetary concerns regarding the readiness of local law enforcement turned military partners. The balance between national defense priorities and state-specific needs will be central to the discussion as the bill progresses through the legislative process.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

Chapter 437. Texas Military
- Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3031

Relating to a grant program for members of the Texas military forces experiencing financial hardship caused by a tax withholding error.

TX SB8

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force and making funds available to certain governmental entities.

TX HB13

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing the Texas Homeland Security Division and the Border Security Advisory Council, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.

TX HB127

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Homeland Security Division, and to compensate persons affected by those threats.

TX SB6

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Energy Insurance Program and other funding mechanisms to support the construction and operation of electric generating facilities.

TX HB566

Relating to a study of the disaster preparedness for each state military facility.

TX SB24

Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB7

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB90

Relating to benefits for certain members of the Texas military forces and survivors of members of the Texas military forces.

TX SB155