Which bills didn't become law in Texas? From sex toys to pet sales, these remain in limbo

The 89th Texas Legislature adjourned earlier this month after weighing thousands of bills, but not all of them made it to the governor’s desk.

While proposals on hemp and education moved forward, others — from adult toy restrictions to pet store rules — stalled in committee or failed to advance.

Here are a few that didn’t make it.

Raw milk sales in Texas, HB 1669

A proposed Texas law would have allowed the legal sale of raw (unpasteurized) milk and raw milk products — but only with a permit. It required producers to label products with detailed information, including ingredients, allergens, and a health warning about the risks of consuming unpasteurized dairy. Permitted sellers could have sold directly to consumers, cooperatives, or designated “raw milk coordinators,” who in turn could operate at farmers’ markets or agreed-upon locations. The bill also barred requirements that sales be pre-arranged and outlined registration and labeling rules.

The bill stalled in committee on March 31.

Ethical pet sales, HB 870 / SB 1652

Twin bills filed in the Texas House and Senate would have prohibited pet stores from selling dogs and cats unless the animals came from shelters or nonprofit rescues. Under the proposals, pet stores would only have been allowed to showcase animals for adoption from government-run shelters or 501(c)(3) rescues — with strict guidelines to ensure no compensation, breeding or affiliations with breeders or brokers. The legislation would have barred pet stores from owning any animals available for adoption or collecting fees for providing space for them. Violators would face civil penalties of up to $500 per day, with enforcement available through the attorney general’s office.

The House version was placed on the general state calendar on May 13 but was not taken up for consideration. The Senate version was coauthored but ultimately stalled.

Restrictions on the sale of sex toys in stores, HB 1359/SB 2399

Twin bills filed in both chambers would have banned the sale of sex toys — legally referred to as “obscene devices” — by any business that isn’t a state-regulated sexually oriented business. Under the proposed law, only establishments that meet the state’s legal definition of a sexually oriented business could sell such items. Violators could face civil penalties up to $5,000 per offense and be subject to injunctions or reimbursement costs tied to enforcement.

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Business & Commerce on May 21 but has not advanced further.

Online age verification for sale of sex toys, SB 3003

This bill would make it a Class A misdemeanor to sell or deliver “obscene devices” (sex toys) online to anyone under 18 without using a commercially reasonable age verification process at the point of sale. Acceptable verification methods include requiring government-issued ID, using third-party services to confirm age through public records, or restricting payment methods to adults only with supplemental verification. Violators could also face civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation. A defense is allowed if the minor used seemingly valid but fraudulent ID.

The bill was co-authorized but has not advanced beyond initial referral.

Breastfeeding Accommodations and Milk Donation Leave, HB 1558/HB 777/HB 3880

These bills aim to improve conditions for nursing mothers in Texas public workplaces and buildings.

• HB 1558 would require the Texas Capitol to provide a private, non-bathroom space for expressing breast milk. It also mandates public employers to provide reasonable break time and a private space (not a bathroom) shielded from view and intrusion for employees to express milk. Additionally, it would grant state employees paid leave once per month to donate breast milk, with supervisor approval.
• HB 777 focuses on public employers’ responsibilities to provide break time and a private, non-bathroom space shielded from view and intrusion for employees to express breast milk.
• HB 3880 adds a requirement that public employers provide a designated nursing room (not a multiple-user bathroom) with a managed sign-in sheet to ensure access is limited to milk-expressing employees.

All three bills were referred to the State Affairs Committee and remain pending.

Cell phone ban in public schools, SB 2365

This bill would require all Texas public school districts and charter schools to adopt policies prohibiting students from using personal wireless communication devices — including cell phones, tablets, and laptops not issued by the school — during instructional time. Exceptions would be allowed for students using devices to implement individualized education programs (IEPs), 504 plans, medical directives from physicians, or health and safety protocols. The policy would take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year.

The bill was referred to the Public Education Committee on April 17 and remains pending.