2025 Texas Legislative Session Recap

Advancing Scenic Stewardship Across Texas

The 89th Texas Legislative Session concluded on June 2, 2025, bringing forth several developments impacting the visual character of our communities. Scenic Houston and Scenic Texas are pleased to report on legislative outcomes that bolster scenic advocacy and uphold the authority of local leaders to shape vibrant and livable spaces.

🌟 HB 3611 – Strengthening Enforcement Against Illegal Bandit Signs

Status: Signed into law on May 29, 2025; effective September 1, 2025

Why it matters: HB 3611 addresses the persistent issue of unauthorized "bandit" signs in public rights-of-way by establishing a tiered penalty system—$1,000 for the first offense, escalating to $5,000 for subsequent violations—and holding advertisers accountable. This thoughtful and bipartisan legislation also represents a major win for communities across Texas working to promote a cleaner, safer urban environment. Scenic Houston and Scenic Texas applaud the leadership of Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum, Rep. Pat Curry and Sen. Borris Miles, for their role in advancing this measure.

🌳 SB 1 Budget Rider – Continued Investment in the Green Ribbon Program

Status: Signed into law on June 2, 2025

Why it matters: The state’s budget bill, SB 1, includes continued funding for the Green Ribbon Program, which supports tree planting and landscaping projects along Texas highways. This investment enhances air quality, reduces urban heat islands, and improves the aesthetic appeal of transportation corridors.

⚠️ HB 1695 – Billboard Relocation Rights Proposal

Status: Passed House; did not advance in Senate

Why it matters: HB 1695 proposed granting billboard owners expanded rights to relocate signs, potentially overriding local zoning and TxDOT authority. The bill's lack of advancement preserves local control over signage and supports community efforts to manage visual environments thoughtfully.

⚠️ HB 2149 – Regulation of Nonconforming Signs

Status: Passed House; left pending in Senate committee

Why it matters: HB 2149 aimed to restrict municipalities' ability to phase out nonconforming land uses, including billboards, without compensation. Its failure to progress ensures that cities retain critical tools for managing land use and promoting community-aligned development.

⚠️ HB 3514 – Vegetation Management in Public Rights-of-Way

Status: Passed House; did not advance in Senate

Why it matters: HB 3514 sought to allow private entities to remove and replant vegetation in public rights-of-way without state oversight, potentially undermining TxDOT's ability to manage these areas. The bill's lack of progression maintains public stewardship over public land and ensures vegetation decisions prioritize community benefit.

🛤️ Looking Ahead

The 2025 legislative session reinforced Scenic Houston and Scenic Texas’s commitment to protecting public spaces, upholding local authority, and supporting policies that enhance the visual character of our communities. We extend our gratitude to the elected officials, advocates, and coalition partners who contributed to these outcomes and look forward to continued collaboration in the future.