Politics
Gov. Abbott Vetoed An Economic Development Bill For Northeast Houston
Posted on · “I’m calling it retaliation because I don’t want to call it racism," State Sen. Borris Miles said in response to the veto.
Tag: 86th Texas Legislature
Health & Science
Texas Is Latest State To Attack Surprise Medical Bills
Posted on · A new Texas law says hospitals and insurers will have to work it out when they can't agree on a price — instead of sending huge unexpected bills to patients.
In-Depth
Property Tax Reform Is Law. What Happens Now?
Posted on · SB 2 will slow the rate at which property taxes can climb, but those already facing high taxes on their homes will see little relief.
News
Texas Lawmakers Gave More Flood Risk Disclosure Protection To Home Buyers, But Not Renters
Posted on · Landlords are not required to let prospective tenants know if the property has previously flooded.
Texas
Eminent Domain Reform Died In The Texas Legislature This Session
Posted on · Despite hundreds of hours of negotiations between Texas landowners and industry groups, legislation to address concerns over the eminent domain process could not be finalized, with lawmakers pledging to make it a top priority for future sessions.
In-Depth
Speaker Dennis Bonnen: A First-Term Analysis
Posted on · Bonnen led the Texas House of Representatives through a productive session, passing school finance reform, property tax relief and flood infrastructure legislation.
Politics
Texas’ Legislative Leaders Say They Have A Deal On School Finance And Property Tax Reform
Posted on · Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dennis Bonnen announced they have finalized the details of the three bills that will accomplish their top policy goals.
Texas
Texas House Passes Bill To Spend More Than $3 Billion To Help Pay For Flood Control Projects
Posted on · With the damage from Hurricane Harvey in mind, lawmakers approved two bills aimed at better preparing the state for natural disasters.
Politics
Texas House Votes To Raise Legal Smoking Age To 21
Posted on · The bill already passed the Senate but will require another vote in the upper chamber due to minor changes made in the House.
Politics
In A Surprising Turn, Texas House Opts To Delay Consideration Of Sales Tax Swap Legislation Until 2021
Posted on · Gov. Greg Abbott and other legislative leaders endorsed the sales tax increase, intended to help fund ongoing cuts to school district taxes. But it has been effectively killed this session.
Politics
Texas Senate Approves School Finance Reform Bill, But Opts Not To Fund It With A Sales Tax Hike
Posted on · The chambers will need to negotiate how to give teachers pay raises, whether to adjust how students take standardized tests and how to provide long-term property tax relief for Texans.
Politics
Houston, Harris County Split Over Property Tax Bill
Posted on · A House amendment preempting Houston’s 2% revenue cap has won support from the city’s Democratic representatives, as well as from Mayor Sylvester Turner.
Texas
Texas Senate Passes School Safety Bill Intended To Prevent Mass Shootings
Posted on · Senate Bill 11 is authored by state Sen. Larry Taylor, whose district includes Santa Fe High School.
Texas
Texas Lawmakers Could Criminalize Unsolicited Sexually Explicit Photos
Posted on · Sending lewd images to unwilling recipients could lead to a $500 fine.
Texas
Texas House Votes To Legalize The Farming Of Industrial Hemp
Posted on · Hemp is a cousin of the marijuana plant, but it contains low levels of the psychoactive element in marijuana known as THC. The House's bill will now go to the Senate.