Key Texas Bills Advance Amid Debate on Wildfires, Taxes, Religion, and Gender Identity

As the 2025 legislative session gains momentum, the Texas Legislature has moved forward with several high-profile bills addressing emergency response, financial regulation, religious freedom in schools, and transgender rights.

The Texas House passed House Bill 13 (HB 13) in response to the 2024 Smokehouse Creek Fire, the largest wildfire in state history. The bill proposes the creation of a state council focused on improving emergency communication systems. It also includes the allocation of grants to local fire departments for the purchase of essential firefighting equipment.

“One year ago, the Panhandle faced the destructive Smokehouse Creek Fire, which devastated land, livestock, and lives,” said State Rep. Ken King. “My goal is to ensure that every first responder who puts their life on the line… has the tools to communicate effectively with those around them.”

Also approved by the House, House Joint Resolution 4 (HJR 4) proposes a constitutional amendment that would permanently ban taxes on financial transactions, including stock trades. This would enshrine into the Texas Constitution a prohibition against such taxes. According to KVUE, if the Senate also approves the measure, it will appear on the November 2025 ballot for a public vote.

On April 2, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 965 (SB 965), which would allow public school teachers to pray or express religious views during the school day. The bill aligns with the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, which upheld a coach’s right to pray on the field.

The bill has sparked debate. Senate Democrats have voiced concern over potential violations of the separation of church and state, as reported by CHRON.

The Texas Senate also approved Senate Bill 406 (SB 406) on April 3. This legislation would prohibit individuals from changing the sex markers on their birth certificates. According to The Dallas Morning News, the bill has ignited debate regarding the rights of transgender individuals, particularly their ability to obtain identity documents that align with their gender identity.

Summary of Key Bills:

• HB 13: Creates a state council to improve emergency communications and provides grants for firefighting equipment in response to the 2024 Panhandle wildfires.
  
• HJR 4: Proposes a constitutional amendment to permanently ban taxes on financial transactions such as stock trades.
  
• SB 965: Allows public school teachers to pray or express religious beliefs during the school day, citing the 2022 Supreme Court ruling.
  
• SB 406: Prohibits changes to sex markers on birth certificates, raising concerns about transgender rights and access to services.

As these measures move through the legislative process, they reflect the broader ideological divides shaping Texas politics in 2025. With the next steps pending in the opposite chambers—and, in some cases, before voters this November—the outcomes of these bills will serve as a key indicator of the state’s evolving political landscape.