Special Session Report, Highway Funds, Abortion Travel and Illicit Outlets Shut Down, Remembering Charlie Kirk

Our second legislative special session ended earlier this month on September 3rd, and I’m happy to report that we accomplished some very important work. Today I provide an overview of some key Senate bills that were passed and sent to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. Next week I will continue providing more details on legislation passed in the regular session, as well as House bills that were passed during the second special session.

SB 1, CAMP SAFETY: Legislation which would require camps to have natural disaster emergency plans, prohibits campgrounds from operating in floodplains, streamlines emergency communications to family members, enacts new health and safety standards for camp personnel, mandates that camp operators maintain safety equipment and conduct regular safety orientations, and requires compliance with the National Fire Protection Association’s standards.

SB 3, FLOOD EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS AND WARNING: Legislation to strengthen emergency communications and improve early warning systems and other preparedness and response infrastructure in flood-prone areas throughout Texas.

SB 5, RELIEF FUNDING FOR HILL COUNTRY FLOODS: Legislation to provide relief funding for response to and recovery from the storms which began in early July 2025, including local match funding for jurisdictions eligible for FEMA public assistance.

SB 8, PROTECT WOMEN’S SPACES: Legislation protecting women’s privacy in sex-segregated spaces.

SB 11, PROTECT HUMAN TRAFFICKING VICTIMS: Legislation, similar to Senate Bill 1278 from the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, that protects victims of human trafficking from criminal liability for non-violent acts closely tied to their own victimization.

SB 12, ATTORNEY GENERAL ELECTION POWERS: Legislation proposing a constitutional amendment allowing the Attorney General to prosecute state election crimes.

SB 14, WATER PROJECT INCENTIVES: Legislation, similar to Senate Bill 1253 from the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, that authorizes political subdivisions to reduce impact fees for builders who include water conservation and efficiency measures.

SB 16, TITLE THEFT & DEED FRAUD: Legislation, similar to Senate Bill 648 from the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, that provides strengthened protections against title theft and deed fraud.

SB 54: PREVENTING SAME DAY VOTER REGISTRATION: Removes the provision in the Election Code that allowed a voter that has changed addresses within the same county to register to vote and vote in the same day.

SD 10 Transportation Projects Funded in Latest State Budget

As a member of the Senate Transportation Committee, I’m able to have an in-depth look at how Texas is working to relieve the traffic congestion too many of us face on a daily basis. The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) has dedicated roughly $35.5 billion of its 2026-27 budget to the development, delivery and maintenance of the state’s vast network of public roads.

Senate District 10 stands to benefit greatly from these funds, as rapid population growth and expanding commercial activity in the region place increasing pressure on local and regional roadways. In addition to the projects that are currently underway in SD 10, I am pleased to share that TXDOT has approved funding for the following projects:

•     $28 million authorized to widen U.S. 84 in Brown County
•     $218 million authorized to widen Interstate 30 in Arlington
•     $84 million authorized to improve Interstate 35 West in Johnson County
•     $116.5 million authorized to widen U.S. 281 in Palo Pinto County
•    $77 million authorized to create new frontage roads in Weatherford from Santa Fe Drive to Bankhead Highway
•     $25 million authorized for freeway ramps in Arlington
•     $200 million authorized to widen Interstate 20 in Arlington

For more information on these projects, and to view all TxDOT projects, please visit https://apps3.txdot.gov/apps-cq/project_tracker/ and select “State Senate District Number” from the first dropdown box, then type “10” into the search bar.

Legislation Forces Austin to Shut Down Taxpayer-funded Abortion Travel Fund

On September 1st, Senate Bill 33, which prohibits the use of public taxpayer dollars to help promote abortion, went into effect. Because of our work in passing this new law, the city of Austin was forced to end its “out-of-state abortion fund,” which was used to reimburse Texas women who traveled to other states to receive abortions for missed wages, travel expenses and any planning expenses they incurred. This fund in effect circumvented Texas’ strong pro-life laws, creating an end-run around public policy using taxpayer dollars. It’s encouraging to see the immediate impact that meaningful legislation has for our state.

Legislation Enables Shutdown of Massage Parlors Engaged in Human Trafficking

In the 2023 legislative session, I sponsored HB 3579. This bill created emergency suspension powers for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) if a massage business is being investigated by law enforcement for human trafficking, sexual misconduct or related offenses. Since that legislation has been signed into law, I have been encouraged to see some of the direct results of our intended purpose behind that bill.

Since the passage of HB 2579, TDLR has exercised their emergency powers to shut down 75 massage locations around the state, including six locations in Senate District 10. In May, a massage parlor in Cleburne was shut down, along with seven others outside the district, for the same reason. Sadly, new reports come in every day about suspected human trafficking and illicit activities at massage parlors. We must all remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to TDLR when we see it. I have one constituent in Burleson whose consistent reporting has led to action by TDLR in that community. If you suspect human trafficking or illegal activity at a massage parlor or other TDLR licensed business, please visit https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/complaints/ to file a complaint. You may also report suspected human trafficking to the National Hotline for Human Trafficking at 1-888-373-7888.

Charlie Kirk: A Devastating Loss for Our Nation

Terry and I are absolutely heartbroken over the tragic and senseless brutal murder of Charlie Kirk. In a world of darkness, a bright, irreplaceable light has been taken from us. His impact on America is unprecedented, as we have seen in the outpouring of emotions in the week following his passing. Charlie possessed a rare ability to change hearts and minds of Americans, especially those on college campuses, with open conversation and civil discourse. I have learned of his impact even in the lives of some of my grandchildren, who I had no idea were watching his podcasts. Charlie is now in Heaven with his Lord and Savior, leaving behind a wife and two young children. God Bless all those who loved Charlie Kirk.