The Texas Legislative session is (finally) over. Here’s what passed and failed.

After five months of debate, the Texas legislative session came to a close on Monday. Lawmakers passed more than 1,200 bills addressing issues ranging from property taxes to pronouns before sine die, the official close of the session.

Although the GOP-controlled Texas Legislature hashed out with some kitchen-table issues this session, political observers noted that the body also expended much time and energy on culture war issues. The Lege meets every other year, meaning it won’t reconvene until 2027.

Let’s take a look at some of the highlights about what passed and what failed this session.

What passed:

Senate Bill 2: Allocates $1 billion in taxpayer dollars to cover cover costs of private and parochial schools for some families. Gov. Greg Abbott championed the controversial measure and has already signed this into law. The program will begin with the 2026-2027 school year.

Senate Bill 3: Bans all consumable THC-containing hemp products and introduces new criminal penalties for their possession, manufacturing and sale. The bill is awaiting Abbott’s signature, and he faces a tough decision whether to anger Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick who pushed for SB 3’s passage or play a role in decimating an $8 billion industry in a “business-friendly” state.

Senate Bill 5: Provides $3 billion to start a dementia research fund. Abbott signed the bill into law but voters will need to approve the fund on the ballot in November.

Senate Bill 326: Requires schools to use a common, albeit controversial, definition of antisemitism when disciplining students.

House Bill 229: Requires state documents to reflect a person’s gender assigned at birth, potentially preventing trans people from obtaining identification and benefits. This is currently on Abbott’s desk, where it is expected to be signed into law.

Senate Bill 8: Requires most Texas sheriffs to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in identifying undocumented immigrants. This awaits signature on Abbott’s desk. Senate Bill 10: Requires all Texas public school classrooms to prominently display the 10 Commandments. This awaits signature on Abbott’s desk, and it will face lawsuits from civil rights groups soon after he signs it. Senate Joint Resolution 5: A “bail reform” proposal that would alter the Texas Constitution to prohibit bail for certain violent offenses. This awaits signature on Abbott’s desk, after which it will be put to Texas voters.

Senate Bill 4: Reduces property taxes for Texas homeowners. This awaits the governor’s signature.

Senate Bill 16: Would have required voters to show proof of citizenship when voting, though it’s already illegal for noncitizens to vote. Critics argued the measure, clearly modeled after the federal SAVE act, would disenfranchise women who changed their names after marriage and those unable to access their original birth certificate or get a passport.

Senate Bill 2880: Would have allowed anyone to be sued for mailing abortion pills to someone in Texas. The legislation also would have made it illegal to provide information about obtaining an abortion.

Senate Bill 18: Would have banned drag queen story time events.

House Bill 3817: Would have allowed authorities to slap felony “gender fraud” charges on trans people.

Senate Bill 240: Would have banned trans people from using public restrooms that align with their gender identity.

House Bill 2486: Would have made it harder to obtain police disciplinary records.

Senate Bill 2595: Would have prohibited wearing masks at protests.

House Bill 186: Would prohibit minors from using social media by enacting a strict age verification process.

House Bill 5138: Would have expanded the Texas Attorney General’s authority to prosecute election crimes.

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This article appears in May 29 – Jun 11, 2025.