The group, which was granted credentials in the Senate but denied them in the House, argues that the lower chamber’s administration chairman engaged in “unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination.”
86th Legislative Session
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Can Texas’ top three Republicans muster enough support to pass a sales tax swap?
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have already signaled opposition to the proposal from Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dennis Bonnen.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
A Texas sales tax increase would hit poor people the hardest
Top Republican leaders have proposed raising the sales tax and using the money to lower local property tax rates. Wealthier Texans and businesses would likely benefit, while poorer Texans would likely pay more.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: Can Texas Republicans raise the sales tax without suffering a backlash?
Lawmakers have proposed swapping higher sales taxes for lower property taxes — but leaving the final decision to voters. They don’t have to do it that way, but it could move the blame from them — to the rest of us.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Texas Senate says cities can’t ban employers from asking about criminal history
Austin previously passed a “ban the box” ordinance preventing private employers from asking potential job candidates’ criminal history before extending a conditional job offer. If state Sen. Brandon Creighton’s bill passes, local governments couldn’t implement such laws.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Is Texas leading on disaster preparedness? Yes and no, experts say
During the first legislative session since Hurricane Harvey, state lawmakers are poised to make an investment in storm recovery and flood mitigation that some have described as unprecedented. But it’s more complicated than that.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Texas Senate gives local governments more breathing room for property tax revenue growth
After a key Republican holdout agreed to bring a priority bill to the floor, the upper chamber increased an election trigger on revenue increases from 2.5% to 3.5%. But now both chambers must reconcile how they want to tackle rising school district taxes.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
As Texas House tackles property taxes, here’s what to know and how to watch
The lower chamber was expected to debate House Bill 2, legislation that aims to slow rising property taxes in Texas.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
“We’re all afraid to go to school”: After Santa Fe, Texas seeks to make students safer
Almost a year after the massacre at Santa Fe High School, state lawmakers are considering ways to make students and teachers feel safe in the classroom again.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: The Texas Legislature is stuck. Don’t worry about it.
The Texas Legislature is in its biennial spasm of drama, with big bills stuck and some state leaders saying it will take a special session to get property taxes, school finance and all of that done. But they have six weeks to go, and they often do their big work on deadline.
