Texas Legislature Closes with Major Wins for West Texas, Concho Valley

AUSTIN, TX — The Texas House of Representatives adjourned sine die on Monday, marking the end of the 89th Legislative Session. For Rep. Drew Darby (R-San Angelo), it was his most productive session yet, delivering several key conservative victories for West Texas and the Concho Valley.

One of the most urgent achievements came just before adjournment—a 25% pay raise for Texas district judges, including the four serving in San Angelo. Their salaries will increase from $140,000 to $175,000, the first raise since 2013. A last-minute compromise between the House and Senate decouples legislator retirement benefits from judicial pay starting with the next raise. The measure passed both chambers overwhelmingly, with Darby voting in favor.

Darby filed 64 bills this session, covering topics such as protecting the oil and gas industry, preserving charitable exemptions, and supporting Texas teachers. Of those, 52 received a House committee hearing, 43 advanced from committee, and 29 either passed or were included in companion Senate bills that are now headed to the governor’s desk.

As chair of the House Energy Resources Committee, Darby also led efforts to strengthen Texas’ response to petroleum theft. His House Bill 48, along with Senate Bills 494 and 1806, create the nation’s toughest laws against organized oilfield crime, empowering the Texas Department of Public Safety to crack down on gangs and cartels.

Darby also secured $5 million in funding for Angelo State University’s Center for Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, keeping West Texas in the race for technological leadership.

“This was a great session for the people of House District 72,” Darby said. “The people in my district trusted me to return to Austin to get things done, and I am honored to have kept that promise.”

In addition to his own legislation, Darby supported several major conservative initiatives passed this session, including:

• House Bill 2: $8.5 billion increase in public school funding and teacher pay raises, one of the largest in state history;
• Senate Bill 4: An increase in the homestead exemption to $140,000, along with added funds for property tax rate compression;
• Senate Bill 7: A multibillion-dollar investment in rural water infrastructure;
• Senate Bill 8: A comprehensive interlocal border security plan;
• Senate Bill 17: A ban on land purchases by agents of hostile foreign governments.

“I could not be more proud of the work the Texas Legislature accomplished this session,” Darby said. “West Texas is at a critical crossroads, and we delivered on water, roads, schools, and much more.”