Senator César J. Blanco Sends First Slate of Bills to Governor’s Desk

Press Release Contact: Taylor Sanchez
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Taylor.sanchez@senate.texas.gov
May 23, 2025
Senator César Blanco Sends First Slate of Bills to Governor’s Desk
Austin, Texas – 9 bills and 1 concurrent resolution authored by Senator César J. Blanco have received approval
by both the Texas Senate and Texas House of Representatives, and await the Governor’s signature. This first
group of bills includes:
• SB 897 enhances grant funding for veteran mental health programs.
“Our veterans deserve accessible and quality mental healthcare. SB 897 improves how we fund and
support those programs so veterans can access the care they need and deserve.”
• SB 906 enhances public safety in Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo.
“The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo deserves the same tools to protect its community as other federally
recognized tribes in Texas. By granting the Pueblo the authority to commission peace officers and
improving coordination with local law enforcement, we can improve public safety.”
• SB 914 promotes uniform election dates in Alpine, TX for higher voter participation
“When more people vote, our communities are stronger. SB 914 is a simple change to make civic
participation easier and ensure more voices are heard in decisions that shape everyday life.”
• SB 1143 creates workforce development plans to improve job opportunities for young Texans.
“If we want a strong workforce tomorrow, we can’t afford to leave young people behind today. This bill
gives local workforce boards better tools to support them and makes sure we’re measuring what works
so we can continue supporting young adults in Texas.”
• SB 1151 improves the efficiency of healthcare audits.
“During the pandemic, we saw that remote healthcare audits are both effective and secure. This bill
updates the law to reflect today’s digital workplace, cutting red tape while keeping strong oversight in
place. ”
• SB 1245 Protecting Native Wildlife in West Texas
“SB 1245 gives landowners a practical tool to control invasive aoudad sheep, restoring balance in our
ecosystem and protecting the wildlife that is vital to West Texas.”

• SB 1268 supports the implementation of state water and flood infrastructure plans.
“Texas needs long-term, coordinated investments in water and flood management. SB 1268 improves
how we align local efforts with state goals, especially in underserved and rural areas.”
• SB 1583 improves the transparency and efficiency of groundwater conservation planning.
“With growing drought concerns and a changing climate, SB 1583 ensures groundwater conservation
districts have clear, consistent expectations when managing this vital resource.”
• SB 2925 establishes the Task Force on Modernizing Manufacturing to advance Texas’s manufacturing
competitiveness.
“Our region is ready to lead in the next chapter of Texas manufacturing. SB 2925 ensures that small
businesses, local workers, and our border economy aren’t just keeping up, but setting the pace. This bill
helps create good-paying jobs, strengthens local industry, and puts El Paso on the map as a key player
in modern manufacturing.”
• SB 3044 Strengthening Local Water Representation in Presidio County
“Communities like Marfa and Presidio rely on local aquifers as their primary water source, but until
now, they haven’t had a voice in how those resources are managed. This bill changes that by expanding
the local groundwater board to include representatives from both cities, ensuring decisions are made
with their needs in mind.”
• SCR 29 designates El Paso as the Boot Capital of Texas.
“From handcrafted leatherwork to global recognition, El Paso has earned its title as the Boot Capital of
Texas—and now it’s official.”
"I look forward to Governor Abbott approving these important pieces of legislation."
For further information, please contact Taylor Sanchez at Taylor.Sanchez@senate.texas.gov.