Texas Legislative Wrap-Up: Governor Abbott’s June 2025 Decisions
As Texans, staying informed about the laws shaping our state is crucial. June 2025 was a busy month for Governor Greg Abbott, as he wielded his pen to sign hundreds of bills into law and, notably, veto several others. These legislative actions will have a significant impact across various sectors, from our dinner tables to our digital lives. Let’s break down some of the most impactful decisions and what they mean for the Lone Star State.
New Laws Taking Effect: A Glimpse into Texas’s Future
Governor Abbott signed over 600 bills into law from the 89th Regular Legislative Session, demonstrating a concerted effort to address a wide range of issues important to Texans. Here are some of the key new laws that stand out:
Food Product Warning Labels (Senate Bill 25)
One of the most talked-about new laws is Senate Bill 25 (SB 25), signed on June 22, 2025, and set to become effective on September 1, 2025. This law mandates a new consumer warning label on food products containing any of 44 specific ingredients. Inspired by the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, SB 25 also requires minimum levels of physical activity in schools for younger students and the creation of nutrition and wellness curricula for high school and higher education. The goal is to inform consumers and promote healthier lifestyles, though companies that manufacture or sell food products in Texas will need to conduct portfolio-wide audits and coordinate with marketing and packaging teams to ensure compliance before the December 31, 2025, regulatory deadline and the January 1, 2027, consumer warning labeling effective date. This move signals a significant step in Texas toward greater transparency in food labeling.
Increased Regulations on Medical Spas (“Jenifer’s Law”)
Signed on June 20, 2025, a new law colloquially known as “Jenifer’s Law” significantly increases regulations on medical spas, particularly concerning elective IV therapy. This legislation comes in response to a tragic incident in 2023 and aims to enhance patient safety. It establishes stricter delegatory requirements for prescribing and administering elective IV therapy outside of traditional medical settings, limiting who can perform these procedures and under what supervision. These heightened regulations are slated to take effect on September 1, 2025, and will ensure more stringent guidelines for medical spa operations, adding a layer of protection for consumers seeking such services.
Restricting Foreign Ownership of Real Property (Senate Bill 17)
To address national security concerns, Governor Abbott signed Senate Bill 17 (SB 17) into law on June 20, 2025, with an effective date of September 1, 2025. This act prohibits the acquisition of interests in real property in Texas by foreign individuals or entities associated with designated countries identified as national security risks, specifically China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. This includes purchases of residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural land, as well as easements, mineral rights, water rights, and leaseholds of one year or more. Exemptions exist for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and entities owned and controlled by them. This law underscores Texas’s commitment to safeguarding its strategic assets and addressing geopolitical concerns.
Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (House Bill 149)
Texas has joined a growing number of states in regulating artificial intelligence with the passage of House Bill 149 (HB 149), also known as the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (“TRAIGA 2.0”). This act establishes a regulatory framework for AI systems within the state, including an AI Regulatory Sandbox Program for testing innovative AI systems and a Texas Artificial Intelligence Counsel to ensure ethical use of the technology. While it focuses primarily on the state government’s development and use of AI, it prohibits the development and deployment of AI systems that intentionally discriminate against a protected class. This proactive approach aims to harness the benefits of AI while mitigating potential risks.
Gold and Silver as Legal Tender (House Bill 1056)
In a move that has garnered significant attention and discussion, Governor Abbott signed House Bill 1056 (HB 1056) into law on June 28, 2025. This landmark legislation officially designates gold and silver as legal tender in Texas, alongside the U.S. dollar. Championed by State Representative Mark Dorazio, the law aims to provide Texans with an alternative to fiat currency, offering a potential hedge against inflation and greater financial autonomy.
Clarity to Abortion Ban (“Life of the Mother Act”) (Senate Bill 31)
Senate Bill 31 (SB 31), also referred to as the “Life of the Mother Act,” was signed into law to clarify when doctors can perform abortions without fear of penalty under Texas’s near-total abortion ban. Effective immediately, this law provides more leniency for licensed physicians to exercise reasonable medical judgment when a pregnant patient faces a life-threatening physical condition caused by the pregnancy that places the female at risk of death or substantial impairment. This aims to provide clearer guidelines for medical professionals in complex situations.
Other Significant Laws:
Financial Literacy Education: House Bill 2 and Senate Bill 1 require all Texas public high school students to complete a one-half credit course in personal financial literacy, equipping the next generation with essential life skills.
First Responder Mental Health: House Bill 35 enhances mental health access for first responders by establishing a peer network for fire and EMS personnel.Business Court Expansion: House Bill 40 expands the jurisdiction of Texas business courts, aiming to streamline commercial disputes.
Ten Commandments and Prayer in Schools: Senate Bill 10 requires the display of the Ten Commandments in every Texas public school classroom, and Senate Bill 11 allows schools to adopt policies for daily, voluntary periods of prayer and religious text reading. These laws reinforce religious expression in public education.
Oilfield Theft Prevention: House Bill 48 creates an organized oilfield theft prevention unit within the Texas Department of Public Safety to combat theft related to oil and gas equipment, a significant issue in the industry.
Water Park Liability: Senate Bill 1119 establishes a clearer legal framework that limits the liability of water park entities for injuries sustained during activities, provided they post appropriate signage.
Ban on Paper License Plates: A bill passed in 2023 went into effect on July 1, 2025, banning temporary paper license plates. All licensed dealers must now issue metal license plates at the time of sale.
Combating Antisemitism: Senate Bill 326 requires public school districts and institutions of higher education to take disciplinary action against students for certain antisemitic behaviors, using a specified statutory definition of antisemitism.
Reducing Barriers for Small Businesses: Several bills, including House Bill 346, House Bill 2464, House Bill 5195, and Senate Bill 2206, were signed to accelerate the process for starting a business, cut unnecessary government regulations, and provide tax benefits for small businesses.
Ban on Nondisclosure for Sexual Assault: Senate Bill 835 makes non-disclosure and confidentiality provisions in agreements void and unenforceable if they prohibit a person from disclosing an act of sexual abuse or related facts, strengthening protections for victims.
Bills Vetoed: A Closer Look at What Didn’t Pass
While many bills became law, Governor Abbott also exercised his veto power on several pieces of legislation in June 2025, signaling his concerns or disagreements with their content.
Veto of the THC Product Ban (Senate Bill 3)
Perhaps the most prominent veto was Senate Bill 3 (SB 3), which aimed to ban the sale of hemp products containing THC in Texas. Governor Abbott vetoed this bill on June 23, 2025, despite its intentions to regulate consumable hemp products. His reasoning cited “valid constitutional challenges” and potential conflicts with federal law, specifically the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized hemp production. Abbott expressed concern that if allowed to become law, SB 3’s enforcement would be tied up in litigation for years, leaving existing abuses unaddressed.
Another notable veto was the $60 million appropriation for the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer for Children program, also known as “Summer EBT” or “Summer Bucks.” This federally funded initiative would have provided $120 per eligible child to help low-income families purchase groceries during the summer months when free school meals are unavailable. Governor Abbott cited “significant uncertainty regarding federal matching rates” as his reason for the veto, making Texas one of the few states to opt out of this program. This decision has drawn criticism from anti-hunger advocates who argue it will disproportionately affect food-insecure families.
This veto has sparked a significant political showdown, particularly with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who championed the bill. In response, Governor Abbott immediately called a special legislative session, beginning on July 21, 2025, to address a regulatory framework for THC products that is enforceable and can be implemented swiftly. He suggested regulations similar to those for alcohol, including prohibiting sales and marketing to minors, requiring strict product safety testing, and allowing local jurisdictions to ban sales locations. This ongoing debate highlights the complexities of regulating a rapidly evolving industry.
Rejection of the Summer EBT Program
Affirmative Defense for Human Trafficking Victims (Senate Bill 1278)
Senate Bill 1278, which would have established an affirmative defense to prosecution for victims of human trafficking or compelled prostitution, was also vetoed. While acknowledging the bill’s good intentions and the state’s commitment to supporting victims, Governor Abbott stated that the bill had a “flaw” that could inadvertently allow individuals to be immune from prosecution for serious crimes beyond the scope of their victimization. He expressed hope that a more focused and carefully crafted piece of legislation could be developed during the special session to address this critical issue.
Other Vetoed Bills:
Pretrial Detention and Hearings (HB 413 & HB 305): House Bill 413, concerning pretrial detention limits, and House Bill 305, related to pretrial hearing timelines, were vetoed due to concerns about public safety safeguards and overly compressed timelines that could harm both the state and the defense.Trespassing at Schools (HB 353): House Bill 353, which would have created a new criminal offense for trespassing near schools or day-care centers, was vetoed because Governor Abbott found it too broad, potentially criminalizing innocent acts and overlapping with existing laws.
AI Deep Fakes (HB 449): House Bill 449, aiming to make it illegal to produce or distribute sexually explicit “deep fake” media, was vetoed at the author’s request because other, more comprehensive bills addressing this issue were passed and signed into law.
Looking Ahead: The Special Session and Beyond
Governor Abbott’s legislative actions in June 2025 underscore a dynamic period in Texas politics. The veto of Senate Bill 3 and the subsequent call for a special session highlight a significant policy debate within the state, particularly regarding the regulation of hemp-derived products. This special session, set to begin on July 21, 2025, will be a focal point for lawmakers as they attempt to craft legislation that balances public safety, economic interests, and individual freedoms.
As these new laws take effect and the special session unfolds, Texans will continue to see the impact of these decisions on their daily lives. From new food labels to regulations on medical services and discussions about property rights, the legislative landscape is constantly evolving. Staying informed and engaged remains vital for every Texan.
We encourage you to visit the official Texas Legislature Online website and the Governor’s Office website for detailed information on these bills and ongoing legislative proceedings.
Office of the Texas Governor - Press Releases
Texas Legislature OnlineStay tuned to jl310defense.com for further updates and analysis as these laws are implemented and new legislative discussions emerge.