All Roll Calls
Yes: 164 • No: 0
TexasHB 256389th Legislature Regular SessionHouse
Relating to establishment of the temporary certified and insured prescribed burn manager self-insurance pool; authorizing a fee.
Sponsored By: Trent Ashby, Lois Kolkhorst (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Fire Fighters & Police--GeneralInsurance--Property & CasualtyState Finances--Management & ControlBURNING & INCINERATORSFIRE SAFETY & PREVENTIONSTAFF DEVELOPMENT & TRAININGTEXAS A&M FOREST SERVICETEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
New liability coverage for Texas burn managers
Beginning September 1, 2025, the Texas A&M Forest Service runs a liability insurance pool for certified Texas-resident prescribed burn managers. Managers must apply in writing; certification is required for approval. Coverage protects participating managers against liability from prescribed burns at the required minimum limits, but excludes workers’ compensation, vehicle liability, and professional liability. The fund can receive appropriations up to $25 million, participant payments, and interest, used only for coverage and program administration. The Forest Service may hire a lawyer for covered liability cases; the Texas Attorney General cannot provide that representation.
Burn coverage has limited backing and duration
Beginning September 1, 2025, Texas’s liability for covered burn losses is limited to the insurance fund’s assets. The state has no further liability for those losses. The program and its authorizing chapter expire September 1, 2040. After reserving money needed for claims, the remaining balance must go to the statewide fire contingency account.
Burn managers face fees and deductibles
Beginning September 1, 2025, the Texas A&M Forest Service may charge participating burn managers reasonable insurance fees. It must set cost-sharing rules, including deductibles, while considering prices for comparable insurance. Deductibles must discourage small claims and reserve coverage for significant losses. Premiums must be adjusted using the burn data collected by the service. Money collected goes into the insurance fund; the law sets no specific fee or deductible amount.
Burn managers must train and report
Beginning September 1, 2025, participating burn managers must complete Forest Service-offered or approved wildfire training to keep coverage. Training must meet certification standards and cover coordination with fire departments on escaped burns and help suppressing natural wildfires. Managers must report every burn’s date, acres burned by county, and any financial loss or wildfire response. The Forest Service sets the reporting process, keeps training records, and may set participation, equipment, and safety standards. If it finds excessive claims, it may end participation or refer the manager to the Prescribed Burning Board for discipline.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Trent Ashby
House
Lois Kolkhorst
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Penny Morales Shaw
House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 5/25/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Senate vote • 5/25/2025
Record vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 5/6/2025
Record vote
Yes: 148 • No: 0
Senate vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Natural Resources
Yes: 7 • No: 0
House vote • Unknown
Committee vote: Insurance
Yes: 9 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Effective on 9/1/25
6/20/2025HouseSigned by the Governor
6/20/2025HouseSent to the Governor
5/28/2025HouseSigned in the Senate
5/27/2025SenateSigned in the House
5/27/2025HouseReported enrolled
5/26/2025HouseSenate passage reported
5/25/2025HouseRecord vote
5/25/2025SenatePassed
5/25/2025SenateRead 3rd time
5/25/2025SenateRecord vote
5/25/2025SenateThree day rule suspended
5/25/2025SenateVote recorded in Journal
5/25/2025SenateRead 2nd time & passed to 3rd reading
5/25/2025SenateLaid before the Senate
5/25/2025SenatePlaced on local & uncontested calendar
5/25/2025SenateCommittee report printed and distributed
5/14/2025SenateRecommended for local & uncontested calendar
5/14/2025SenateReported favorably w/o amendments
5/14/2025SenateVote taken in committee
5/14/2025SenateConsidered in public hearing
5/14/2025SenateReferred to Natural Resources
5/7/2025SenateRead first time
5/7/2025SenateReceived from the House
5/6/2025SenateReported engrossed
5/6/2025House
Bill Text
Engrossed
Enrolled
House Committee Report
Introduced
Senate Committee Report
Related Bills
SB 2111, Relating to legal representation of indigent persons in this state and to proceedings before a magistrate including the appointment of counsel for an indigent defendant.
SB 1838, Relating to the appointment of attorneys ad litem and the compensation of certain attorneys ad litem in suits affecting the parent-child relationship filed by a governmental entity.
SB 3, Relating to the regulation of products derived from hemp, including consumable hemp products and the hemp-derived cannabinoids contained in those products; requiring occupational licenses and permits; imposing fees; creating criminal offenses; authorizing an administrative penalty.
SB 2878, Relating to the operation and administration of and practices and procedures related to proceedings in the judicial branch of state government, including court security, court documents and arrest warrants, document delivery, juvenile boards, constitutional amendment election challenges, mandatory expunction for certain persons, record retention, and youth diversion; increasing a criminal penalty; authorizing fees.
SB 646, Relating to repayment of certain mental health professional education loans.
HB 4325, Relating to civil liability for prohibited barratry.