89R2455 SCP-F By: Hall S.B. No. 138 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the adoption and voidability of certain rules proposed by a state agency. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 2001.0045(c), Government Code, is amended to read as follows: (c) This section does not apply to a rule that: (1) relates to state agency procurement; (2) is amended to: (A) reduce the burden or responsibilities imposed on regulated persons by the rule; or (B) decrease the persons' cost for compliance with the rule; (3) is adopted in response to a natural disaster; (4) is necessary to receive a source of federal funds or to comply with federal law; (5) is necessary to protect water resources of this state as authorized by the Water Code; (6) [is necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of this state; [(7)] is adopted by the Department of Family and Protective Services, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Parks and Wildlife Department, Public Utility Commission of Texas, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, or Texas Racing Commission; (7) [(8)] is adopted by a self-directed semi-independent agency; or (8) [(9)] is necessary to implement legislation, unless the legislature specifically states this section applies to the rule. SECTION 2. Sections 2001.035(a) and (b), Government Code, are amended to read as follows: (a) A rule is voidable unless a state agency adopts it in substantial compliance with Section 2001.0045 and Sections 2001.0225 through 2001.034. (b) A person must initiate a proceeding to contest a rule on the ground of noncompliance with the procedural requirements of Section 2001.0045 or Sections 2001.0225 through 2001.034 not later than the second anniversary of the effective date of the rule. SECTION 3. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to a rule proposed by a state agency on or after the effective date of this Act. A rule proposed before that date is governed by the law in effect on the date the rule was proposed, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.