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Bill

HB 944

Relating to the establishment of the Legislative Economic Analysis Unit and the expiration of certain state agency rules.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Brian Harrison

Texas bill establishes Legislative Economic Analysis Unit and implements sunset provisions requiring state agency rules to be actively reauthorized to remain in effect.

Referred to Delivery of Government Efficiency
#legislativeeconomicanalysisunitboard(vp72f) #lieutenantgovernor(s0096) #legislature(i0520) #speakerofthehouse(s0306) #stateagencies'rules(s0346)
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Bill Summary · HB 944

Legislative bill overview

HB 944 would establish a Legislative Economic Analysis Unit within the Texas Legislature and create a mechanism for state agency rules to expire unless affirmatively reauthorized. The bill essentially creates a new legislative body tasked with analyzing the economic impact of regulations and implements a "sunset" provision for existing agency rules.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects how Texas regulates business and industry. By requiring rules to be actively renewed rather than continuing indefinitely, it shifts the burden from those challenging regulations to agencies defending them. The new analysis unit would influence which regulations survive review by providing economic data to lawmakers during the reauthorization process.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory uncertainty: Automatic expiration of rules could create instability for businesses relying on long-standing regulations, or conversely, could eliminate rules protecting consumers and workers if not actively renewed
  • Resource implications: Creating a new legislative unit requires funding and staffing; unclear whether this represents efficient consolidation or bureaucratic expansion
  • Political dynamics: Rules tied to sunset provisions become leverage points in legislative negotiations, potentially allowing politically powerful interests to block renewal of regulations they oppose, regardless of merit

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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