Relating to a limitation on the number of terms a person may serve as a commissioner of Port Freeport.
LowStandard timeline
Low Cost
Effective:2025-09-01
Enforcing Agencies
Port Freeport Commission (Governance/Election Board)
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.
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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.
The bill author has informed the committee that promoting regular turnover among the commissioners of Port Freeport could enhance governance by encouraging fresh perspectives. H.B. 1729 seeks to address this issue by establishing term limits for Port Freeport commissioners.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
H.B. 1729 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to make a person having previously served two or more full terms as a Port Freeport commissioner ineligible for election as a commissioner. The completion of the remainder of an unexpired term by a person elected or appointed to fill a vacancy does not constitute service for a full term for this purpose. The bill's provisions do not apply to a term of office that begins before the bill's effective date.
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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