Bucy Bulletin – Session Recap

Friends,

The regular legislative session has officially come to a close, and I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you. I’m incredibly proud of the dedication I saw pour out of Austin, Round Rock, and Cedar Park — all of us united in our hope to guide Texas through the next two years with compassion, courage, and a commitment to what’s right.

This session was not an easy one. Time and again, my colleagues and I were forced to confront legislation aimed at undermining the rights of LGBTQ+ Texans, low-income families, and immigrant communities. Our public schools, in particular, faced some of the most harmful attacks — increased regulation, religious overreach, and inadequate funding that still leaves them below 2019 per-student levels.

Despite these challenges, I’m pleased to report that our efforts were not in vain. Many of the worst bills were defeated, and I’m proud to have led the fight to protect Austin and voting rights. We also managed to move the needle forward on a few key issues. Together, we passed bills to expand access to higher education, cut red tape on property taxes, and build a more equitable future for all Texans.

In this newsletter, you’ll find part one of our end of session recap on important legislation, upcoming community events, and local resources that may be helpful to you and your family. As always, if you have questions, suggestions, or need help navigating any issue, please don’t hesitate to reach out. My office is here to serve you — and I’m always eager to hear from you.

All the best,

John Bucy III
State Representative 
Texas House District 136

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In a year where meaningful legislation often struggled to break through, our office remained focused on practical, community-driven solutions—and it paid off.

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This session, Austin was unfairly targeted. Some colleagues tried to weaken our city’s local control and take power away from everyday Texans. I was proud to lead the fight to stop these efforts in coordination with our local elected leaders.

Here are the key bills we defeated:

Attacks on Austin City Council (Opposed HB 274 and HJR 86)
Would have replaced Austin’s elected city council with a “District of Austin,” effectively handing control of our city to the state. Although the district would follow current city laws, the state could amend or repeal any laws and policies at will. Thanks to our efforts, we stopped this dangerous bill before it even reached the floor.

Defended Project Connect (Opposed HB 3879 / SB 2519)
This session, we faced yet another attack on Austin’s future—this time, a tedious tax bill aimed at gutting Project Connect. Despite the fact that Austin voters overwhelmingly approved the light rail system and the Austin Transit Partnership has already adjusted plans to reduce costs, the bill would have blocked local governments from using voter-approved tax revenue to repay bond debt.

Round Rock-Dell Agreement (Opposed HB 143)
One of the quieter but most dangerous bills this session was HB 143, which threatened to unravel the Round Rock-Dell agreement—a cornerstone of Williamson County’s economic success. This agreement helps protect vital sales tax revenue, supports local economic development, and funds essential city services. Undermining it would have dealt a serious blow to the region. Thankfully, we worked alongside the City of Round Rock and the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce to stop this harmful bill in its tracks.

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This session, rising partisanship sidelined many common-sense solutions. I filed several pragmatic, clean-up bills designed to make life easier for Texans across the state—bills that, despite broad appeal, didn’t make it across the finish line. Still, these efforts helped move the needle and laid important groundwork for future progress.

Express Lane Eligibility (H.B. 321)
Helps more children get health coverage by enrolling kids who receive SNAP into Medicaid or CHIP, with parental consent, so families don’t have to go through extra paperwork or repeat the same steps twice. This proposal once again passed the House overwhelmingly, but died in the Senate.

2-1-1 TIRN Modernization (H.B. 38)
Would have modernized 2-1-1 TIRN, which is a vital tool connecting Texans with local resources for food, housing, and healthcare. This bill also passed the House for a second consecutive session before dying in the Senate.

Online Voter Registration (H.B. 311)
First hearing on Online Voter Registration in over a decade, with overwhelming support from advocates and community members.

High Speed Rail (H.B. 483)
IH-35 High Speed Rail proposal was voted out of committee and we had a hearing on allowing the state highway fund to be used for transit-oriented projects. Instead of the usual attacks on transit, we moved the needle forward and forced key conversations on the issue.

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KXAN
‘No Kings’ protests across Central Texas
The “No Kings” day of action happened the same day as, and in opposition to, a Washington, D.C. military parade on President Donald Trump’s birthday.

KUT
Thousands attend “No Kings” protest at Texas Capitol
Thousands gathered at the Texas Capitol for Saturday’s “No Kings” protest against the Trump administration.

Austin American-Statesman
Austin protesters disperse peacefully nearly 2 hours after ‘No Kings’ protest ends
More than 10,000 people gathered on the Texas Capitol grounds for the “No Kings” protest.

Houston Chronicle
Texas to expand voting on weekends for next presidential election
Texas to expand voting on weekends for next presidential election.

Austin American-Statesman
A Texas bullet train? Why a high-speed rail proposal could face legislative roadblocks
Some Texas lawmakers want to see high-speed rail development in the Texas Triangle.

KVUE
Texas lawmakers join roundtable discussion recapping legislative session
Watch my discussion of big issues and what’s next with Sen. Sarah Eckhardt and Reps. Donna Howard and Vikki Goodwin.

Spectrum News 1
Republican push for proof of citizenship to vote proves a tough sell in the states
President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans have made it a priority this year to require people to prove citizenship before they can register to vote. Turning that aspiration into reality has proved difficult.

KVUE
Texas Senate passes bill renaming part of FM 969 after fallen Austin police officer
Andy Traylor died in 2021 after he got into a crash with an 18-wheeler while responding to an urgent call.

Austin American-Statesman
Texas GOP is rigging the ballot against third parties — and voters are losing
Opinion by Kenneth Feagins III

The Texas Tribune
Texas House bill allowing online voter registration got a public hearing — after missing deadline to become law
Texas is one of eight states without universal online voter registration. A lawmaker pushing for it says he’ll continue the fight.

Democracy Docket
GOPers Fear Proof of Citizenship Laws May Hurt Their Own Voters
One apparent reason why GOP legislators are getting cold feet about proof of citizenship laws for voter registration: They’re worried about disenfranchising their own voters.

Reform Austin
Texas Moves to Loosen Vaccine Requirements Amid Measles Outbreak
The Texas House passed a bill Wednesday that would make it significantly easier for parents to exempt their children from public school vaccine requirements.

Spectrum News 1
The Texas Lottery Commission could be going bust
By the end of the summer, Texas lottery tickets may not be available unless action is taken this legislative session to extend the lottery commission.

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We’re here to help—don’t hesitate to reach out! This session alone, our team responded to nearly 25,000 constituent emails and supported 120+ individuals in getting services from state agencies, and we’re always ready to assist you however we can. We also encourage you to check-out what’s happening across the district:

Complete the Austin Bond Survey
Your anonymous feedback will help the Bond Election Advisory Task Force (BEATF) recommend projects for the potential 2026 Bond package. Take the survey here. 

Summer Reading Challenge
We are so fortunate to have dedicated public libraries that are ready to keep your kids engaged this summer! Please check out the summer reading challenges hosted by the Cedar Park, Round Rock, and Austin public libraries. 

Check out the 48 hour film fest! 
Youth from across Austin raced to create award winning films – all within 48 hours. Find where you can attend an upcoming screening and learn more here. 

Round Rock Slave Grave Remembrance
A solemn tribute and memorial ceremony lead by the Members of Thomas H. Keithley Lodge No. 45 in remembrance of those enslaved and buried within the Williamson County Round Rock Cemetery. Join this Thursday, June 19th at 10am. 

Austin & Central Texas Juneteenth
Ring in Juneteenth next Thursday by joining the Central Texas Parade and Festival. The event begins at 10am at the intersection of MLK Jr Bulevard and Leona Street. Learn more here. 

Artist of the Month
Our office is looking to support local artists by spotlighting their work in the capitol. If you or someone you know is interested in participating, please email us at rowen.kliethermes@house.texas.gov.

Request a Resolution
My team is looking for celebratory and memorial resolutions to honor individuals and organizations across HD 136. Please reach out if your or a neighbor has a success, retirement, anniversary, or otherwise. I would love to host you here in the capitol. Request a resolution by emailing rowen.kliethermes@house.texas.gov.