Final Stretch of the 89th Texas Legislative Session: Key Bills That Could Impact Texas Families

Texas 89th Legislative Session Update – Week Ending May 23, 2025
From the Desk of Southlake Family Law Attorney Leslie Barrows

As the 89th Texas Legislative Session nears its conclusion, we are watching several key bills that could shape family law, estate planning, and everyday life for Texans. Here’s a quick look at what’s moving through the Capitol and what it could mean for our families and futures:

Family Law & Estate Planning Highlights

While no major family law bills have been signed into law yet, a few could impact parental rights, estate administration, and community property if amendments or late-session legislation surface. We are monitoring for last-minute proposals affecting custody, conservatorship, child support, and guardianships. As always, we’ll share updates on any new statutes that may impact how we serve our clients and protect families.

One relevant bill to note:

• SB 5 – Dementia Research Fund (Sent to Governor Abbott)
  This bill establishes funding for dementia research. While not directly a family law measure, it reflects growing concern around aging Texans, which can influence future guardianship and estate planning discussions.
  
  

Bills That May Affect Every Texan

Several significant bills are making headlines and may impact daily life across Texas:

• SB 1 – State Budget (In the Works)
  The backbone of all state services, including the courts. We’ll see how allocations affect family law courts and support services for children and families.
  
  
• SB 4 – Cutting Property Taxes (In the Works)
  It could ease financial pressures on families and homeowners, especially important in high-growth areas like ours.
  
  
• HB 2 – Increasing Public School Funding (In the Works)
  Supports Texas families by potentially improving education quality and access.
  
  
• SB 7 & HJR 7 – Funding Water Infrastructure & Texas Water Fund (In the Works)
  Important for long-term sustainability and quality of life, critical as Texas continues to grow.
  
  
• SB 38 – Speeding Up Evictions (In the Works)
  This bill could impact families in housing crises and may intersect with child custody or support issues in court.
  
  
• HB 186 – Banning Social Media for Children (In the Works)
  Raises important questions around parental rights and digital parenting responsibilities.
  
  

Signed into Law

• SB 2 – Education Savings Accounts
  Now law, this bill introduces education savings accounts, reshaping how families plan and pay for their children's schooling.
  
  
• SB 326 – Antisemitism Bill
  Reflects broader protections against discrimination across public spaces, including schools.
  
  

Stay Tuned

We’re closely monitoring:

• SB 2880 (Abortion pills)
  
  
• SB 31 (Emergency abortion exceptions – Sent to Governor)
  
  
• SJR 5 (Tighten bail laws)
  
  
• SB 6 (Energy grid regulation)
  These may not be family law issues per se but could intersect with broader rights and responsibilities of Texans, especially vulnerable populations.

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Texas Legislature Online - 89th Legislature Regular Session

The 89th legislative session and details about bills and the process are found on the official state website, Texas Legislature Online.

Texas Tribune - Comprehensive Bill Tracking and Reporting

Historically, and despite any party or detailed preferences, the Texas Tribune has been accepted by many as a source for identifying the status of several bills, where they are in the legislative process, and links to more information. 

The Texas Tribune 2025 Legislative Page & Tracking Major Bills

Final Thoughts from Leslie Barrows

“As we approach the end of the session, we remain vigilant in tracking legislation that could impact our clients, from custody and conservatorship to financial protections and constitutional rights. Our commitment is to keep you informed and prepared for the road ahead.”

Follow us on social media or visit www.BarrowsFirm.com for updates.

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