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• Houston sues state in attempt to block new law that erodes cities’ power

  By Joshua Fechter Updated: July 18, 2023

  House Bill 2127 — dubbed the “Death Star” law by opponents — prevents local governments from creating rules that go further than what’s allowed under broad areas of state law. Houston’s suit says the new law violates the state’s constitution. Full Story 

• Texas Supreme Court says Gov. Greg Abbott’s COVID ban on local mask rules was lawful

  By Joshua Fechter June 30, 2023

  Several of Texas’ largest cities sought to put in place mask requirements, which Gov. Greg Abbott overturned. The ruling is a legal win for Republicans in Austin their ongoing symbolic fight with cities, often run by Democrats. Full Story 

• With second special session underway, Texas lawmakers offer opening property tax-cut proposals

  By Joshua Fechter, Karen Brooks Harper and James Barragán June 28, 2023

  A stalemate among Texas’ top Republicans has dragged on for months. Tax-cut proponents in the House and Senate made their first pitches to end the impasse Wednesday. Full Story 

• A property tax deal has eluded Texas lawmakers. Here’s where things stand at the start of another special session.

  By Joshua Fechter June 28, 2023

  Top Republicans promised property tax cuts, but have been locked in standoffs on how to achieve it. Gov. Greg Abbott has called another overtime legislative session in hopes of solidifying a plan. Full Story 

• Texas senators include more property tax cuts for businesses in new pitch to break impasse with House

  By Joshua Fechter Updated: June 20, 2023

  The Senate’s latest proposal is an apparent effort to appease Gov. Greg Abbott and the lower chamber. The state’s top Republicans have been at odds for months over how to use the state’s historic budget surplus to cut property taxes. Full Story 

• Texas Republicans ended a patchwork of local rules they say hurt business. They also eroded powers of city councils.

  By Joshua Fechter June 7, 2023

  Lawmakers delivered Gov. Greg Abbott a long-sought bill to stop local governments from enacting local laws that exceed state law on a number of fronts. Full Story 

• Texas Republicans are fighting over how to split $12.3 billion in property tax breaks between homeowners and businesses

  By Joshua Fechter and Karen Brooks Harper June 1, 2023

  Gov. Greg Abbott and House Speaker Dade Phelan back a plan that spreads property tax relief among all landowners, while Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s proposal would give homeowners a bigger boost than businesses. Full Story 

• Abbott backs Phelan’s property tax cut plan, spurring ire from Patrick

  By Joshua Fechter, Uriel J. García and Alex Nguyen Updated: May 30, 2023

  The House passed a bill without Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s preferred increase to homestead exemptions — then abruptly adjourned for the special session. That basically tells the Senate to take the House bill Gov. Greg Abbott backs or leave it. Full Story 

• Texas lawmakers fail to reach last-minute deal to cut property taxes

  By Joshua Fechter Updated: May 29, 2023

  After negotiations that became tense and public, the House and Senate fell short of delivering on one of the biggest legislative priorities for Republicans in the regular legislative session. Full Story 

• Republican priorities on school choice, border fail, but late-night compromises resurrect others

  By Jolie McCullough and Joshua Fechter Updated: May 28, 2023

  Rushed agreements and suspended rules rescue legislation on the electric grid and economic incentives for companies, and work is still being done on a property tax proposal. Full Story