The Senate Committee on Jurisprudence convened on May 14, 2025, to discuss several key legislative proposals, including House Bill 1193 and House Bill 3395, both aimed at enhancing legal protections and simplifying processes for Texans.

House Bill 1193 seeks to safeguard the personally identifying information of individuals who file for informal marriage in Texas. Currently, when individuals apply for an informal marriage license, their names and addresses are publicly accessible through county clerk offices. This exposure poses significant privacy risks, particularly for vulnerable individuals, such as victims of dating violence or stalking. The proposed legislation would allow applicants to request that their identifying information, aside from their name, be redacted from public records, thereby enhancing their privacy and safety.

The committee also reviewed House Bill 3395, which aims to streamline the inheritance process for manufactured homes. This bill is a companion to Senate Bill 1940, which has already passed in the Senate. It proposes a direct transfer of manufactured homes without the need for probate, aligning the process with existing laws for real property and vehicle transfers. The legislation is designed to protect the rights of homeowners during their lifetime while also safeguarding the interests of creditors and heirs by adhering to established estate rules.

Public testimony was invited for both bills, but no individuals came forward to speak for or against either measure. Both bills were left pending, awaiting further consideration by the committee.

The discussions reflect ongoing efforts by the Texas Legislature to address privacy concerns and simplify legal processes for residents, highlighting the importance of legislative action in protecting vulnerable populations and improving efficiency in property transfers.