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.
