Regular Session
Government Affairs & Regulatory Compliance Analysis
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.
Rep. Cody Vasut·House Bill·Regular Session
Port Freeport Commission (Governance/Election Board)
JD Key Consulting provides strategic guidance on Texas regulatory compliance and legislative impact for your business.
Key implementation requirements and action items for compliance with this legislation
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.
No new requirements for private sector employees.
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.
No new fees, taxes, or fiscal impacts.
JD Key Consulting specializes in Texas regulatory compliance strategy. Work directly with James Dickey—former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas—to understand this bill's impact on your operations and develop an actionable compliance plan.
Schedule a ConsultationInformation 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.
This bill's path through the Texas Legislature
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Common questions about HB1729
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.
HB1729 was authored by Texas Representative Cody Vasut during the Regular Session.
HB1729 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on May 29, 2025.
HB1729 is enforced by Port Freeport Commission (Governance/Election Board).
The regulatory priority for HB1729 is rated as "low". Businesses and organizations should review the legislation to understand potential impacts.
The cost impact of HB1729 is estimated as "low". This may vary based on industry and implementation requirements.
HB1729 addresses topics including port freeport, special districts & authorities, special districts & authorities--navigation & ports and term limits.
Key dates for HB1729: Effective date is 2025-09-01. Consult with legal counsel regarding applicability.
HB1729 establishes the following penalties: administrative penalty of Ineligibility for office for Attempting to run for election as a Port Freeport commissioner after having previously served two full terms (post-effective date).. Consult with legal counsel for specific applicability to your situation.
JD Key Consulting is an Austin, Texas-based government affairs firm led by James Dickey, former Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas. We specialize in Texas regulatory compliance and legislative strategy for data centers, energy, banking, and manufacturing.
