The Texas Legislature concluded its Regular Session and quickly moved into a Special Session. While political gridlock may dominate headlines at the State Capitol, lawmakers enacted legislation with significant implications for the construction sector. This update highlights the most important legislative developments from the 89th Regular Legislative Session.

The 89th Regular Session convened from January 14th through June 2, 2025, producing several legislative reforms affecting the construction industry. Of 11,277 bills filed, the Legislature enacted 1,155 measures, with Governor Abbott vetoing 28 bills by the June 22, 2025 deadline. Although the Legislature has since entered Special Sessions, no agenda items currently under consideration are expected to directly impact the construction industry.

The following sections review key legislation from the Regular Session, focusing on those bills most relevant to the construction industry. Topics include restrictions on new rules on right to repair accrual dates, prompt payment requirements for public works projects, changes to trust fund assignment rights, lien law deadline reforms, venue provisions for construction contracts, contracting integrity in K-12 and higher education, expanded liability protections for land surveyors, municipal regulation of mixed-use and multifamily projects, bonding limitations on pipelines, updated building energy codes, LNG permitting reforms, and environmental standards for construction materials facilities.

Reprinted courtesy of Matthew S.C. Moore, Peckar & Abramson, P.C. and Quinn Kuriger, Peckar & Abramson, P.C.

Mr. Moore may be contacted at mmoore@pecklaw.com
Mr. Kuriger may be contacted at qkuriger@pecklaw.com