Key 2025 Texas Laws That Affect Seniors
You may have noticed that the Texas Legislature met in 2025 for its 89th Legislative Session. They meet every two years, whether it is needed or not. As of June 19, 2025, the Texas Governor still had a pile of bills on his desk to sign, veto, or let go into law without his signature.
Here are a few bills that have been signed. H.B. means a bill that was originally filed in the House, and S.B. means it was originally filed in the Senate.
Major Investment in Dementia Research in Texas
Senate Bill 5 and the Creation of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute
Dementia is a big issue, and Texas is at the epicenter. In 2020, approximately 460,000 Texans aged 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s. Texas ranks:
- Third in the U.S. for the number of Alzheimer’s cases
- Second in the U.S. for Alzheimer’s-related deaths
S.B. 5 establishes the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, designed to accelerate dementia research.
Texas Alzheimer’s Statistics and the November Ballot Decision
This bill isn’t final yet — voters will decide in November 2025 whether to approve:
- Establishing the new research institute
- Providing $3 billion in state funding over 10 years
- Using general revenue funds (not new taxes)
Expanded Property Tax Relief for Seniors and Disabled Texans
Senate Bill 23 Increases the Homestead Exemption
No one enjoys paying property taxes, and now there’s meaningful relief in S.B. 23:
- Seniors (65+) and adults with disabilities
- Exemption increases from $10,000 to $60,000
- Applies to the school district portion of your home’s appraised value
Combined Savings from S.B. 4 and S.B. 23
This should translate into real money; combined with the property tax savings from S.B. 4, this bill is estimated to reduce the average over-65 and disabled homestead property tax bill by $950.87.
House Bill 9 and Business Property Tax Exemptions
If you own a small business (even in retirement), House Bill 9 may help. It:
- Exempts up to $250,000 of business personal property from taxation
- Applies to tools, equipment, furniture, and other non-real estate business assets
New Laws Make Texas More Attractive for Businesses
S.B. 29 Modernizes the Texas Business Code
Texas likes to be competitive. No, that is too mild: Texas likes to win. It took a big step forward with S.B. 29, which:
- Modernizes the Texas Business Organizations Code
- Makes it easier to form LLCs, nonprofits, and corporations
- Aims to attract businesses away from other states (like Nevada)
Why Texas Wants to Beat Nevada in Business Formation
If you’re involved in business or nonprofit boards, this update:
- Simplifies compliance
- Strengthens Texas as a pro-business state
- Could reduce paperwork and filing headaches
Easier Pathways to Becoming a CPA in Texas
Senate Bill 262 Offers a New CPA Licensing Route
The interest in being a CPA is declining. Texas’s answer is to create a new pathway to obtain the license. S.B. 262 sets forth the requirements
- Hold a bachelor’s degree with an accounting concentration, or equivalent coursework
- Complete 2 years of relevant work experience
- Pass the Uniform CPA Exam
Out-of-State CPAs Get a Streamlined Process with S.B. 522
Already licensed in another state? Senate Bill 522 allows for:
- A simplified approval process to practice in Texas
- Easier movement for experienced professionals
- Reduced licensing delays for qualified CPAs relocating here
Changes to Waterpark Liability
What Senate Bill 1119 Means for Waterpark Visitors
Waterparks are full of hazardous activities. People who attend a waterpark can easily get injured. S.B.1119 makes the entity owning the water park liable for injuries caused by:
- Poor upkeep or faulty equipment
- Inadequate staff training
- Negligent actions by employees
When the Waterpark Is Liable—And When You Are
However, if the park posts proper warning signs, any other injury becomes your responsibility — so:
- Watch your footing
- Obey slide rules
- Keep an eye on the grandkids
New Capital Titles Across Texas (Sorry, Austin!)
Austin may still be the legislative capital, but for the next 10 years, the following towns get bragging rights:
- LaSalle County – Wild Hog Capital
- Hemphill – Bass Fishing Capital
- Carthage – Country Music Capital
- Brenham – Ice Cream Capital
- Jim Hogg County – Vaquero Capital
- Denton – Halloween Capital
Teaser: What’s the Deal with the Aoudad Sheep Bill?
Yes — even Aoudad sheep got their moment at the Capitol this session. These rugged, horned animals might not impact your taxes or your waterpark liability, but they’re a reminder that Texas legislation touches just about everything.
Have Questions About How These Laws Affect You or a Loved One?
Whether it’s navigating property tax changes, understanding new healthcare initiatives, or planning for the future, staying informed is key, and the team at Hammerle Morris Law Firm is here to help.
If you’re unsure how these new laws might impact your estate, long-term care planning, guardianship, elder law matters, or property tax situation, we’re here to help. We’ll guide you through the legal changes that matter most and help you make confident, informed decisions.
Don’t wait to protect what matters most — schedule a consultation today.
Virginia Hammerle is an accredited estate planner and represents clients in estate planning, probate, guardianship, and contested litigation. She may be reached at legaltalktexas@hammerle.com. This blog contains general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
