5.4.25 – KBTX – AUSTIN, Texas
With less than a month left in the 89th Texas Legislature, lawmakers are racing to advance bills focused on public safety in schools, rural communities, and roads across the state.
The Senate Transportation Committee is set to hear Senate Bill 2799 on Wednesday, which would raise the criminal penalty for reckless driving if it resulted in injury. The measure, authored by Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, would elevate the offense to a felony in cases involving bodily or serious bodily injury.
Senate Bill 34, filed by Sen. Kevin Sparks, addresses the growing wildfire threats across Texas, particularly following the devastating 2024 Panhandle Wildfires. The bill includes several key provisions aimed at improving wildfire prevention and response. It mandates the creation of a statewide firefighting equipment database, which will allow departments to update and share their resources, ensuring more efficient coordination during emergencies. The bill also raises the funding cap for the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Fund from $30 million to $40 million, with a portion designated specifically for high-risk areas.
Additionally, SB 34 establishes the Texas Interoperability Council to improve emergency communication across local, state, and federal agencies. This legislative effort follows an investigation into funding shortfalls and rising wildfire risks, aiming to better equip Texas for future disasters. The bill is set to go into effect on September 1, 2025. A public hearing is set more Monday morning.
Meanwhile, the House Public Education Committee on Tuesday will consider House Bill 5526. The proposal from Rep. Shelby Slawson, R-Stephenville, would allow school districts in counties with fewer than 1 million people to launch a school security volunteer program using honorably retired law enforcement or veterans. Volunteers would be permitted to carry handguns and wear uniforms while providing security services on campus, but they would not be authorized to perform law enforcement duties.
Last week, lawmakers also moved forward on environmental regulations targeting rural composting facilities. House Bill 4271 authored by Rep. Stan Gerdes, R- Bastrop and Senate Bill 2078, authored by Sen Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham which were prompted by community concerns in Lee County, cleared committee with no objections and now await a full floor vote.
HB 4271 would require the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to hold public meetings on compost permit applications when requested by a local lawmaker. SB 2078 would prohibit the dumping of municipally collected food waste in counties without local compost ordinances and restrict facilities from locating near certain water sources. It also includes a civil penalty for violations.
With regular session deadlines approaching, the next two weeks are expected to bring packed hearing rooms as lawmakers seek final votes on their priorities.