Five big moves from the Lege in 2025
The Texas Legislature made a host of major decisions in 2025, as The Dallas Morning News reported. Here are the highlights:
• Homeowners received a break on their property taxes after approving a proposed constitutional amendment in November. The homestead exemption was increased to $140,000 from $100,000. People 65 and older were given an additional $60,000 exemption on top of that.
Governor Greg Abbott today issued a proclamation identifying 18 agenda items for the upcoming Special Session that begins at 12:00 PM on Monday, July 21.
"We delivered on historic legislation in the 89th Regular Legislative Session that will benefit Texans for generations to come," said Governor Abbott. "There is more work to be done, particularly in the aftermath of the devastating floods in the Texas Hill Country. We must ensure better preparation for such events in the future."
Legislative session wraps up
The dust hasn’t quite settled on the 2025 legislative session, but here’s a sampling of bills already sent to Gov. Greg Abbott.
• A ban on clubs supporting gay teens in public schools won final legislative passage on Saturday. The measure sponsored by state Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, would prohibit schools from authorizing or sponsoring student clubs based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Voucher bill passes Senate, arrives in House
A bill to implement school vouchers in Texas sailed through the Senate largely on party lines last week and now awaits consideration in the House, the Austin American-Statesman reported. House Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, said he believes there are enough votes in that chamber to pass the legislation, which was defeated a half-dozen times in 2023 by a coalition of Democratic and rural Republican members.
Patrick releases 25 legislative priorities
Agencies, universities seek $24.6 billion in new funding
The Texas Senate’s chief budget writer said state agencies and higher education institutions have requested nearly $25 billion in funding as the legislative session gets underway. State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, told The Dallas Morning News that the requests for new money reflect the growing functions and purposes of state agencies that serve the public.
More than 1,500 bills filed as session approaches
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.
