More Than 1,500 Bills Filed

C APITAL Highlights 

Texas lawmakers last week filed more than 1,500 bills ahead of the next legislative session, which begins Jan. 14. The Houston Chronicle reported the proposed measures cover a range of topics ranging from border security to abortion access, education and other issues.

Republicans have expanded their control of both chambers after flipping several seats during this year’s elections. State Comptroller Glenn Hegar has projected the state will have a $20 billion surplus at the start of the 2025 session.

Among the bills already filed: · Proposed reduction or elimination of property taxes. State Rep. Cody Vasut, R-Angleton, has filed a bill to eliminate property taxes altogether and create a committee to examine “alternative methods of taxation.” Property taxes raise $81.5 billion annually, meaning their elimination would likely require a marked increase in sales tax. Other proposed bills would use the state’s surplus revenue to partially offset property taxes · Austin Democrat Donna Howard filed two bills that would expand when a health care provider can legally perform an abortion. The state’s near-total ban on abortion has resulted in women coming forward with stories of delayed or denied medical care, and more than 100 Texas OB/ GYNs signed a letter saying they have been restricted from providing high-quality care to their patients.

· School vouchers are certain to be considered, since they are a priority of both Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Several Republican opponents of vouchers were targeted in the primaries and defeated, making passage of a measure more likely this session, after it failed in 2023.

· Several House Republicans have filed measures to stop providing in-state tuition to some undocumented students living in Texas, effectively eliminating the Texas Dream Act passed in 2001.

· Lawmakers from both parties filed bills that seek to ensure faster responses from utility companies after power outages caused by storms and hurricanes. The measures come after Hurricane Beryl hit southeast Texas last summer, leaving millions without power for days.

TEAReleases Financial Accountability Ratings The Texas Education Agency has released its final 2023-2024 financial accountability ratings, which show 83% of Texas public schools earned an “A” rating, reflecting “a continued commitment to effective financial management practices so that they can best serve students,” a news release stated.

The ratings are based on annual financial reports submitted by school districts to TEA, with districts getting a letter grade for financial accountability and management. A dozen public school districts and 10 charter schools were rated substandard and given an “F.” Readers can look up how school districts in their area fared by going here: https://tinyurl.com/3x8ddmab.