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HB1729

Regular Session

Relating to a limitation on the number of terms a person may serve as a commissioner of Port Freeport.

Low
Low Cost
Effective:2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies

Port Freeport Commission (Governance/Election Board)

HB1729
Relating to a limitation on the number of terms a person may serve as a commissioner of Port Freeport.
Low Urgency
Unanimous Passage
House Vote131 - 0
YEA
100% in favor131 voting
Senate Vote31 - 0
YEA
100% in favor31 voting
Cost Impact
Low
Effective
2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies
Port Freeport Commission
Primary Author: Rep. Cody Vasut
89th Texas Legislature
jdkey.com
01

Compliance Analysis

Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation

Implementation Timeline

  • Effective Date: September 1, 2025
  • Compliance Deadline: Immediate for Port Authority internal governance; no direct deadline for private entities.
  • Agency Rulemaking: No external rulemaking required. The Port Freeport Commission must internally update election bylaws and candidate verification procedures to track tenure eligibility starting with the next election cycle.

Immediate Action Plan

  • Audit Government Affairs Strategy: Shift relationship-building efforts from individual commissioners to institutional staff and legal counsel, as Board turnover is now statutorily guaranteed.
  • Monitor 2025-2026 Ballot Certification: Verify that the Port Authority correctly applies the grandfather clause (Section 3); challenge any attempt to disqualify incumbents based on pre-2025 service.
  • Review Long-Term Negotiations: If negotiating leases extending beyond 2030, ensure terms are explicitly codified in the contract rather than relying on the continuity of current Board leadership.

Operational Changes Required

Contracts

Existing contracts remain valid. However, future Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and long-term leases (10+ years) must be drafted with the understanding that Board composition will forcibly rotate. Reliance on "handshake" understandings with perpetual incumbents is no longer a viable strategy; all concessions must be explicitly codified in the written agreement.

Hiring/Training

No new requirements for private sector employees.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

No new filings for businesses. The Port Authority is solely responsible for maintaining official tenure logs to verify candidate eligibility. Stakeholders should maintain their own records of commissioner tenure to audit future ballot eligibility decisions.

Fees & Costs

No new fees, taxes, or fiscal impacts.

Strategic Ambiguities & Considerations

  • Definition of "Served": The statute limits a person who has "served" two full terms. It is currently unclear if a commissioner who is elected to a full term but resigns halfway through is credited with a "full term" against their limit. This may require an Attorney General opinion or future litigation to resolve.
  • Redistricting: The limit applies to the individual, not the specific seat number. Future redistricting of Port precincts will not reset the term limit clock for an incumbent moving to a new precinct, though this interpretation may be challenged in future election cycles.

Need Help Understanding Implementation?

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Information presented is for general knowledge only and is provided without warranty, express or implied. Consult qualified government affairs professionals and legal counsel before making compliance decisions.

02

Legislative Timeline

This bill's path through the Texas Legislature

Filed
Jan 3, 2025
Passed House
May 2, 2025
Passed Senate
May 19, 2025
Signed
May 29, 2025
TopicsPort FreeportSpecial Districts & AuthoritiesSpecial Districts & Authorities--navigation & PortsTerm Limits
03

House Authors

Rep. Cody VasutRepublican · Primary Author
Joint Authors

Senate Sponsor

Sen. Joan HuffmanRepublican · Primary Sponsor

Bill Text(with markup)

View bill text in multiple formats on Texas Legislature website

Fiscal NoteView Original

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More from Rep. Cody Vasut

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Related by Topic

View more Port Freeport legislation
Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about HB1729

Q

What does Texas HB1729 do?

HB1729 imposes a lifetime limit of two full terms for Port Freeport commissioners, effective September 1, 2025. While this governance change forces a long-term shift in government affairs strategies for port tenants and vendors, a critical "grandfather clause" resets the tenure clock, ensuring no immediate forced turnover of current leadership. Implementation Timeline Effective Date: September 1, 2025 Compliance Deadline: Immediate for Port Authority internal governance; no direct deadline for private entities.

Q

Who authored HB1729?

HB1729 was authored by Texas Representative Cody Vasut during the Regular Session.

Q

When was HB1729 signed into law?

HB1729 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 29, 2025.

Q

Which agencies enforce HB1729?

HB1729 is enforced by Port Freeport Commission (Governance/Election Board).

Q

How urgent is compliance with HB1729?

The compliance urgency for HB1729 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the requirements and timeline to ensure timely compliance.

Q

What is the cost impact of HB1729?

The cost impact of HB1729 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.

Q

What topics does HB1729 address?

HB1729 addresses topics including port freeport, special districts & authorities, special districts & authorities--navigation & ports and term limits.

Legislative data provided by LegiScanLast updated: November 25, 2025

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