AT THE CAPITOL
News from the 88th legislative session
QUOTE OF NOTE
School choice, property taxes top issues
ABBOTT'S EMERGENCY ITEMS
“WE MUST CONTINUE THE STATE’S UNRELENTING EFFORTS TO BUILD INFRASTRUCTURE, GROW THE ENERGY SECTOR, IMPROVE JOB TRAINING AND PUBLIC EDUCATION, AND ENSURE HEALTH CARE ACCESS.” GOV. GREG ABBOTT DURING THE FEB. 16 STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS UPDATES FROM LOCAL LEGISLATORS
BY HANNAH NORTON
COVID-19 restrictions by preventing local governments from creating mask mandates or requiring people to be vaccinated against the virus. Govern- ments would also not be allowed to close schools or businesses due to the coronavirus. On school choice, Abbott said he wants to give Texas parents more power to choose where their children go to school through a state-funded Education Savings Accounts. “To be clear, under this school choice program, all public schools will be fully funded for every student,” Abbott said. Abbott’s other top issues include making schools safer; ending the “revolving door” bail policies and creating stronger restrictions; increasing border security; and tack- ling the fentanyl crisis by pushing for state funding for Narcan, a medica- tion used to reverse the e ects of an opioid overdose.
During his Feb. 16 State of the State address, Gov. Greg Abbott unveiled seven emergency action items lawmakers could immediately work on prior to the 60th day of the session, or March 10, that they are usually limited to.
Gov. Greg Abbott outlined seven emergency action items, which lawmakers can vote on immediately, during his biennial State of the State address Feb. 16. Lawmakers typically cannot vote on or pass legislation until the 60th day of the session—March 10. But when the governor designates an emergency legislative item, lawmakers can vote on related bills earlier, according to the Legislative Reference Library of Texas. “This session, we will ensure Texas remains the leader of this nation as an un inching force in this world,” Abbott said. “Together, we will build a Texas for the next generation—the Texas of tomorrow.” One of Abbott’s top issues is ensuring lasting property tax relief by spending $15 billion in state funds, proposed in the preliminary budget bills led in the House and Senate. Abbott also seeks to end all
Cut property taxes
End COVID-19 restrictions permanently
Expand school choice
Make schools safer
Tighten bail requirements
REP. STEVE TOTH The Woodlands Republican Elected: 2012
Increase border security
House Bill 34 This bill led by Toth would create a criminal o ense for students believed to have engaged in violent criminal conduct following referral to a classroom safety review committee. The bill went to the House Committee on Youth Health and Safety on Feb. 23. HB 211 This bill led by Toth would require members of independent school district boards of trustees to declare a political party. The bill also provides that the election would be held on the same date as the general election. It was referred to the Elections Committee on Feb. 23.
Address the fentanyl crisis
SOURCE: GOV. GREG ABBOTT COMMUNITY IMPACT
Gov. details plans for tax relief, school safety
TOP PRIORITIES
On Feb. 13, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick named his top priorities for the 2023 Legislature. These include:
Making voter fraud a felony o ense Providing property tax relief Strengthening the power grid Expanding school choice Increasing pay for existing and retired teachers SOURCE: LT. GOV. DAN PATRICK COMMUNITY IMPACT
Improving school safety Creating a minimum sentence for illegal gun possession Expanding alternatives to abortion Tackling the state’s future water needs Banning local coronavirus restrictions
BY HANNAH NORTON
New details released Feb. 21 reveal Gov. Greg Abbott’s plans to spend $15 billion for property tax relief and nearly $750 million for school safety. In the largest use of funds, Abbott asked lawmakers to dedicate $15 billion to lowering property tax rates. He also proposed senior citizens be automatically enrolled in a $10,000 homestead exemption, pay reduced state fees and have their county property taxes frozen. A homestead exemption is a reduction to a portion of a home’s value for tax purposes. Abbott proposed spending nearly $750 million in state funds to improve school safety. He asked lawmakers to use at least $600 million to “make necessary school safety improvements,” including technology upgrades, “hardening” equipment and more mental health resources on campuses. Other proposed funding could support a telemedicine program that connects students with mental health resources.
SEN. BRANDON CREIGHTON Conroe Republican Elected: 2014
First led bills reveal top state priorities
Sign up for our newsletter at communityimpact.com for daily updates throughout the session. SUBSCRIBE TODAY appraised value of commercial real property for ad valorem tax purposes. It went to the Local Government Committee on March 1. Senate Bill 814 This bill led by Creighton would preclude municipalities or counties from establishing regulations of commerce di erent from state regulations and allow anyone adversely a ected to bring action against the governing entity. It moved to the Business and Commerce Committee on March 1. SB 879 This bill led by Creighton would limit increases in the
BY HANNAH NORTON
priority bills to be led so far. The budget, which determines how the state funds various programs for 2024-25, is the only bill lawmakers are required to pass during the legislative session. “I believe Texans support our priorities, because they largely re ect the policies supported by the conservative majority of Texans. Most will pass with bipartisan support,” Patrick said. As of Feb. 20, Texas state senators had led nearly 1,300 prospective bills. Patrick expects lawmakers will pass over 600 bills before the session ends May 29.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick released his top 30 priorities for the 2023 legislative session Feb. 13. His top goals include cutting property taxes, improving Texas’ power grid, and expanding access to health care as well as school choice. Senate Bills 1-30 are typically reserved for legislation that is important to the lieutenant gover- nor. Similarly, House Bills 1-20 are reserved for House Speaker Dade Phelan’s priority bills. SB 1, the 1,033-page state budget, is the only one of Patrick’s 30
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THE WOODLANDS EDITION • MARCH 2023
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