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Texas NOW works at the grassroots level to influence and bring about legislative progress at the local, state, and national level. We reach out to candidates of critical races regularly and survey them to gauge where they stand on key women’s rights issues.
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The Texas 89th legislative session is packed with legislative activities with significant impact to the well being and rights of Texas women, both positively and negatively. Here are the top bills on Texas NOW’s radar in 2025.
If you feel passionately about any of these bills or any other bills introduced in this legislative session, please take action and make your voice heard. Find your representatives at https://www.commoncause.org and contact them by email or by phone. Find more detailed information on each of these bills by visiting https://capitol.texas.gov
TOP HOUSE BILLS WE ARE WATCHING
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HB 2299 – Community Health Clinic Grant Program
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HB 2310 – Early Education for Children with Disabilities
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HB 2311 - DEI in Higher Education
House Bill 2299, introduced by Suleman Lalani, proposes the establishment of a community health clinic grant program. The bill seeks to amend Chapter 64 of the Health and Safety Code by designating Section 64.001 as Subchapter A and adding a new subchapter heading. The proposed grant program aims to support the development and operation of community health clinics, enhancing access to healthcare services for underserved populations across Texas. If enacted, the bill would take effect on September 1, 2025.
Introduced by Representative Ordaz, HB 2310 proposes the development of a strategic plan aimed at improving and expanding early learning and educational opportunities for young children with disabilities. The bill seeks to amend Subchapter A, Chapter 29 of the Education Code by adding Section 29.0091, which mandates the creation of this strategic plan. The plan would focus on enhancing educational services and support for young children with disabilities across Texas.
Filed by Representative Brian Harrison, HB 2311 addresses diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at public institutions of higher education. The bill aims to eliminate DEI-influenced academic courses, research, activities, guest speeches, data collection, and student admissions. It seeks to close existing loopholes that allow DEI-related activities to continue despite previous legislation intended to ban DEI offices in public universities.
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HB 2306 - Child Trafficking
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HB 2318 - Human Trafficking
Authored by Representative Denise Villalobos, HB 2306 proposes changes to the eligibility criteria for parole of inmates serving sentences for trafficking offenses involving child victims and disabled individuals. The bill seeks to amend Section 508.145(a) of the Government Code to adjust parole eligibility, potentially imposing stricter requirements for offenders convicted of such serious crimes.
Introduced by Representative Senfronia Thompson, HB 2318 focuses on combating human trafficking by establishing a statewide data repository within the Office of the Attorney General. The bill mandates the reporting of human trafficking data to the Attorney General's office and outlines procedures for data collection and dissemination. This initiative aims to enhance the state's ability to monitor, analyze, and respond to human trafficking activities effectively.
TOP SENATE BILLS WE ARE WATCHIN
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SB 41 - Raising Assault Rifle Purchase Age
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SB 42 - Expanding Pre-Kindergarten Services
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SB 44 - B-On-Time Loan Program
ntroduced by Senator Judith Zaffirini, SB 41 proposes increasing the minimum age requirement to purchase assault rifles from 18 to 21. This measure aims to enhance public safety by restricting access to certain firearms among younger individuals.
Filed by Senator Judith Zaffirini, SB 42 aims to expand pre-kindergarten services to students under the age of five. The bill seeks to enhance early childhood education by broadening access to pre-K programs, thereby supporting the developmental needs of young children.
This bill relates to the establishment and operation of the Texas B-On-time student loan program and authorizes a fee. It was introduced by Senator Judith Zaffirini. The bill aims to make changes to the existing B-On-Time loan program, potentially affecting eligibility requirements, loan terms, or funding.
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SB 46 – Immunization Data Standards
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SB 61 – Senior Tuition Benefits
SB 46, sponsored by Senators Zaffirini and Cook, addresses the management of immunization data within Texas. The bill sets forth clear guidelines on which immunization data must be included in the state's immunization registry and which data should be excluded. Its key objectives are to ensure that the registry maintains accurate and relevant health records while protecting individual privacy.
SB 61, sponsored by Senator Zaffirini, addresses the conditions under which senior citizens may continue to receive tuition and fee benefits at public institutions of higher education. The bill proposes to establish specific criteria that senior citizens must meet to remain eligible for these financial benefits. Its purpose is to ensure that the allocation of tuition and fee waivers remains targeted and sustainable, potentially requiring seniors to demonstrate continued engagement or meet other defined standards.
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SB 48 – Education Funding Reform
SB 48 addresses issues in public education finance by proposing changes to the current funding formulas. The bill seeks a more equitable distribution of resources among school districts—with particular attention to under-resourced areas—while increasing transparency in how education dollars are allocated and spent.
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SB 83 – Campus Concealed Carry
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SB 84 – Government Gender Definitions
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SB 86 – Parental Rights in Education
SB 83, sponsored by Senator Hall, addresses the conditions under which licensed handgun carriers may bring concealed handguns onto the campus of a school district or open-enrollment charter school. The bill clarifies existing policies by establishing specific parameters and restrictions for carrying concealed firearms on school property. Key provisions include delineating which areas of a campus may permit concealed carry, the required safeguards to ensure student and staff safety, and any procedural or notification requirements for handgun license holders.
SB 84, sponsored by Senator Hall, seeks to establish clear definitions for the terms “male” and “female” for use in certain government documents. The bill mandates that these terms be defined consistently across state records and official documents, aiming to remove ambiguity and ensure uniform application.
SB 86, introduced by Senator Hall, concerns parental rights and curriculum content in Texas public schools. It prohibits instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity for all students. Parental consent is required for student participation in clubs promoting sexuality or gender identity themes. The bill also mandates parental notification regarding health-related services offered to students, any changes affecting their child's well-being, and their child's perception of biological sex. If passed, these provisions would take effect for the 2025-2026 school year.
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SB 1031 – SNAP Eligibility Reform
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SB 1039 – School Uniform Allotment
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SB 1041 – Inclusive Employment Opportunities
SB 1031, sponsored by Senator Blanco, proposes updates to the eligibility criteria and benefit structure of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Texas. The bill aims to streamline the application process and adjust benefit calculations so that the program more accurately reflects current economic conditions. By removing unnecessary barriers and enhancing accessibility, SB 1031 is designed to ensure that low-income families—including many women who are often the primary caregivers—receive the nutritional support they need.
SB 1039 proposes the creation of a designated allotment under the Foundation School Program specifically for school uniforms. Sponsored with the goal of easing the financial burden on families, this bill seeks to provide additional support to school districts so that students—particularly those from low-income households—can access the necessary uniforms without undue economic hardship.
SB 1041, sponsored by Senators Parker, Eckhardt, and Hall, seeks to broaden state employment opportunities for individuals who do not hold a bachelor's degree. The bill proposes adjustments to hiring criteria and the creation of targeted training and career development programs, with the goal of recognizing and leveraging diverse qualifications and practical experiences. This approach is intended to promote a more inclusive workforce, ensuring that a wider pool of candidates—including women and historically underrepresented groups—can access quality state employment.
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SB 1044 – Duchenne Screening Enhancement
SB 1044, authored by Senator Parker, proposes to expand and improve newborn screening tests for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. By facilitating timely diagnosis and intervention, the bill empowers women—often primary caregivers—with the information needed for proactive healthcare decisions and informed family planning. In doing so, SB 1044 supports the broader goal of women's rights by promoting equitable access to essential health services and reinforcing the state's commitment to comprehensive, family-centered care.