June 16, 2023, All eyes are on a secretive Senate committee that is drafting rules for an impeachment trial. He was seen as a champion of public education and local control but was derided as too soft on social conservative issues near the end of his tenure. The session will run through May 29th, 2023. "He wanted property tax relief in the form of reduced rates. If you missed a broadcast or would like to view a program again, you may access the complete archive at the Senate Audio/Video Archives page. June 20, 2023, The attorney generals fellow Republicans were about evenly split in their approval and disapproval, the University of Texas poll determined. Greg Abbotts office says theres no plan for a fourth special session at this time. After passing that version of the bill, Phelan adjourned the House for the rest of the session, sending the bill to the Senate. His sentence was later reduced, and he will stay in a halfway house until December 2024. The Texas House voted 147-0 to expel Rep. Bryan Slaton on Tuesday, marking the first time in nearly 100 years the state's lower chamber ousted one of its own. Because of inflation, the costs for state services will be more expensive, and state employees will be lagging behind without a cost-of-living adjustment in their salaries. The first action of the day came from the Texas House, where members overwhelmining elected Beaumont Republican Rep. Dade Phelan to a second term. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov Dan Patrick have forged separate roles. committee hearings. One of the charges against Paul has ties the impeachment allegations. Still, the number of migrants crossing the southwest border has remained stubbornly high, and state lawmakers will have to decide whether they want to continue spending multiple billions of dollars on an effort that has failed to produce a resounding success. Their accusations would form the backbone of articles of impeachment against one of the states most powerful officials. Full Story, by James Barragn Lawmakers will also have to weigh additional costs to running the state. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Greg Abbott signs dog tethering bill after vetoing similar proposal over the summer, Texas new political maps create safer districts for incumbents and put an end to some challengers runs. Those who oppose school choice, [they say], Oh, vouchers are terrible! No, parents deserve the freedom to decide where their kids go to school, Patrick said. June 22, 2023, Sen. Angela Paxton will have no say in deliberations to convict or acquit impeached Attorney General Ken Paxton, but she will sit on the Senate court of impeachment. We need to work independently and provide property tax relief and give it to the governor to sign. A ruling rejecting a broad version of the "independent state legislature theory" could help deter far-fetched legal arguments in the 2024 election. Who signs up for the Texas State Guard if you think youre going to get sent [away for a long time] and not come home? DeLuna Castro said. Patrick has sought to downplay any leadership tensions on the issue. Lawmakers then returned to Austin for three special sessions aimed at passing additional, Trans kids and supporters say new Texas law will keep them out of school sports, Republican bill that limits how race, slavery and history are taught in Texas schools becomes law, A growing number of Texas Republicans want a fourth special session to pass COVID-19 vaccine mandate ban, Analysis: After months of legislating, ranking the 2021 Texas House and Senate from right to left, Restrictions on transgender student athletes participation in school sports signed into law by Gov. Oct. 20, 2021, Seliger has served in the Senate since 2005 and led the higher education committee. by James Barragn Greg Abbott should call lawmakers back for a fourth special session, Analysis: Texas legislators set the table for the 2022 elections, Five takeaways from Texas third special legislative session, White House calls Texas bill targeting transgender student athletes hateful. Nov. 30, 2021, It remains unclear whether Gov. The House had adjourned Sine Die May 30 after passing a property tax relief bill requested by the governor. Oct. 20, 2021, On this weeks episode, Matthew speaks with Alexa, James and Patrick about the end of the Texas Legislatures third special session and whether there will be a fourth. All the while, lawmakers are receiving a per diem salary of $221 for every day the Legislature is in session, even if the stalemate continues. Not to mention, this is just the first chapter in whats expected to be a very long summer of political drama. Democrats are returning to the Legislature with very similar numbers 64 members in the House and 12 in the Senate. This will be updated as more content is produced. Heres a comprehensive list of stories that Dallas Morning News reporters covering the 88th Texas Legislature have produced before the session starts, along with dates and how to contact your representatives. Greg Abbott promised during his campaign to deliver the largest property tax cut in the history of the state. He said he wanted to use half of the budget surplus to deliver on that promise. Full Story, by Joshua Fechter Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced an almost $33 billion budget surplus. Governor Greg Abbott signed 4 bills into law after the regular legislative session ended. Receive
The first special session ended as it began, with the big three leaders: Gov. It's a combination.". Abbott, House Speaker Dade Phelan and the lower chamber are focusing on a plan that lowers tax bills exclusively through compression. That arrangement would reduce school districts tax rates and use state money to fill the revenue gap. June 26, 2023, The U.S. Supreme Court paved the way for major civil rights victories for queer Americans in the 2003 decision that decriminalized homosexuality. Sort of, How real estate did in this Texas Legislature, It's a little scary: Texas battles over future of property taxes, Texas Speaker Dade Phelans real estate roots. Full Story, by Patrick Svitek Gov. Greg Abbott the only official with the power to convene special sessions will order state lawmakers back to Austin, or what issues he would include on the agenda. The Senate passed a similar plan that included the homestead exemption, which House lawmakers said was not germane to the governors call. Yes, I'll donate today. June 30, 2023, Two bipartisan bills passed this session will give voters more time and opportunities to fix mistakes when they request and return ballots by mail. The mission has also seen the deaths of 10 troops tied to Operation Lone Star, including five suspected suicides and the death of Bishop Evans, a servicemember who died in the Rio Grande while trying to rescue drowning migrants. Full Story, by Patrick Svitek Co-author authorized. At a time when newsroom resources and revenue across the country are declining, The Texas Tribune remains committed to sustaining our mission: creating a more engaged and informed Texas with every story we cover, every event we convene and every newsletter we send. Patrick has insisted upon and the Senate has repeatedly approved. But Patrick held firm on his demand that the bill increase the homestead exemption, which exempts part of a homes value from taxation. Lawmakers begin work today for their biennial legislative session. Texas lawmakers filed more than 30 gun regulation bills ahead of the 2022 Texas legislative session, the first such lawmaking session since the Robb Elementary shooting. The Senate plan would provide more direct benefits to homeowners, and property tax experts say it also would more equally distribute tax relief to Texans in different income groups. That plan carries the advantage of not having to reproduce that spending in the budget every two years, like with property tax relief, which is a recurring state cost. Texas state lawmakers are back at the Capitol this week to talk about property taxes. Today at the Capitol: The Senate of the 88th Legislature, First Called Session stands adjourned sine die. Full Story, by Joshua Fechter We got the job done and we sent it over to the Senate.". The vote came a day after Slaton. Texas Legislature Online - Texas Senate Meetings by Committee By Date Texas Senate Website Website for the Texas Senate. Proponents of the House plan say its a good way to continue driving down property taxes in an effort to eliminate them altogether (and Abbott even included that goal on this special session proclamation). Texas state Sen. Kel Seliger, a Republican willing to buck his party leadership, will not seek reelection, Lt. Gov. The House and Senate met on opposite ends of the Capitol on Wednesday morning, a fitting metaphor for their contentious, go-it-alone approaches each has taken to the debate thus far. View weekly
But other lawmakers say the standoff can only end if Abbott, Patrick, and Phelan come to terms and hash out an agreement. But they didnt pass bills about vaccine mandates or the criminal penalty for illegal voting. As the session ends,. Full Story, by Patrick Svitek In the last week, San Antonio voted to increase its homestead exemption to 20 percent of a homes value, giving a boost to the Senate plan. The biggest topic of conversation heading into today is how to spend the states $32.7 billion budget surplus, and everyone including top legislative leadership is chomping at the bit over how to use that cash. broadcast schedule. ", Tinderholt agreed. ", Last week, Representative Matt Schaefer (R-Tyler) tweeted, "If you put all the Texas Senate and House Republican legislators in a room for one hour without Dan Patrick, Dade Phelan, or Greg Abbott there would be a deal on property tax relief and 45 mins spent talking about why we didn't do it this way in the first place. Oct. 19, 2021, Gov. As Abbott ramped up the mission to deploy 10,000 service members to the border in the fall of 2021, troops began complaining about poor living conditions, a lack of pay and no sense of mission. With major issues at play in the Capitol, here are six things we are watching as Texas 88th legislative session kicks off. And they say it could more equally distribute relief to business owners. And while he has championed the compression-only plan, Abbott has indicated he would accept a different proposal from the chambers. But there could also be other ramifications and questions lawmakers will attempt to respond to legislatively. Texas House of Representatives Website Website for the Texas House of Representatives. AUSTIN (CBSNewsTexas.com) It took the Texas Senate 33 seconds to gavel in and out Tuesday afternoon and proclaim "Sine Die," the official end of the first special session called by Governor Greg Abbott. Press Release Jun 23 In both plans, theres no guarantee the relief flows down to renters. Updated: June 30, 2023, The Democrat from San Antonio was initially sentenced in 2018 to 12 years in federal prison. June 27, 2023, Gov. They also approved new political maps and a proposed constitutional amendment that could lower property tax bills. For a list of recommended system requirements and other helpful information, please see these video streaming suggestions. The compression-only proposal, he says, would provide only about $740. If you experience problems or you have questions about streaming video broadcasts, please see our FAQ page.For a list of recommended system requirements and other helpful information, please see these video . Property tax reduction, more abortion legislation, sports betting, school choice and curbing mass shootings. Full Story, by James Pollard Texas Legislature 2021 The 87th Texas Legislature approved hundreds of new laws during its regular session that ended in May 2021, including a near-total ban on abortions. Greg Abbotts priorities for the special session, but it did not have enough support in the Legislature. For a list of upcoming committee hearings to be held at the Capitol and across the state, visit the Hearings and Events page. More than anything, Wednesdays meetings showed that the House and Senate have not moved much at all since the start of the last special session, which began immediately after the regular term ended in May. Full Story, by Patrick Svitek But after Republicans maintained their dominance in state politics on Election Day, Smith said he does not see a political motivation for GOP leaders to revisit the issue. By Adam Liptak Reporting from Washington The Supreme Court ruled . Dan Patrick. Both the House and Senate will reconvene at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Correction, Jan. 10, 2023 at 12:38 p.m.: The Texas Legislative session has begun. How exactly that goal manifests itself in the session remains to be seen. The latest texas legislature news from The Texas Tribune. June 30, 2023, The Democrat from San Antonio was initially sentenced in 2018 to 12 years in federal prison. Published June 28, 2023 Updated June 30, 2023, 1:57 p.m. On the first day of that session, the House passed a bill in line with the Governors wishes. View
Full Story. June 28, 2023, Under a provision of the Texas Constitution, Fanny Jetton will represent her husbands Houston suburban district during the Legislatures second special session. June 29, 2023, A federal judge blocks an 118-year-old state law that required minor political party candidates to collect more than 83,000 signatures on paper in order to appear on the ballot. As the election bills remained stalled on Monday, Texas AG Ken Paxton, who is also up for re-election in 2022, announced he is forming an election integrity unit focused on the local election. 1 2 3 308 next First special session ends with no new laws, Texas lawmakers still deadlocked on property taxes by James Barragn. Receive
Dan Patrick (Texas Speaker of the House, Getty). That means 21, not 20, votes will be needed to convict. Mede Nix has been an editor overseeing key coverage areas for The Dallas Morning News for the past 21 years. Abbott is still expected to call lawmakers back to Austin for a special session on school vouchers, and the Senate is scheduled to begin a trial in the impeachment of now-suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton in early September. After Wednesdays meetings, those lines remained. June 8 With Texas House adjourned, Senate takes bigger swing at border enforcement and human smuggling Rather than accept the House legislation as is, senators passed their own more expansive. Full Story, Legislators also passed bills that will provide foster kids entering the troubled system with duffel bags or backpacks and those aging out of the system with help setting up bank accounts. Full Story, by Patrick Svitek Its unprecedented. ", Representative Venton Jones (D-Dallas said) said, "I hope there's an agreement that the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker can be able to come to because I'm ready to make that vote and make sure that we provide property tax relief to Texans in this moment.". Follow along with Tuesdays events here. But in the House, they have a new caucus chair, Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer of San Antonio, who is known as more sharp-elbowed than his predecessor, Rep. Chris Turner of Grand Prairie. Updated: Relating to the punishment for certain criminal conduct involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house; increasing criminal penalties. Gov. Gov. If there is any floor fight over committee chairs, it would come on the second day of the session Wednesday when the lower chamber typically considers its rules for the session. June 29, 2023, The Wall Street Journal says the impeached attorney general, his wife and a family trust spent nearly $3.5 million buying properties in four states in 2021 and 2022. But with rising costs due to inflation, lawmakers will also have to factor in how much more theyll have to spend in the state budget to cover infrastructure and staffing costs that keep the state running. Its plan, which was passed unanimously, would dedicate 71 percent of the money to rate compression, while spending the remaining 29 percent to increase the homestead exemption from $40,000 to $100,000. If you experience problems or you have questions about streaming video broadcasts, please see our FAQ page. Full Story, by James Barragn and Patrick Svitek At the start of a second special session of the Texas legislature, Sen. Phil King asked God to help solve the states property tax reform mess. Politics Texas Texas legislature moves to settle property tax battle, by God After 6 months of debate, lawmakers began another session on property tax relief Texas Gov. Archived broadcasts of Senate session and public hearings held at the Texas State Capitol may be viewed from the Audio/Video Archives page. by James Barragn That means Texans can expect the Legislature to continue to swing conservative on both fiscal and social matters. Full Story, by Patrick Svitek Full Story, by James Barragn View
Gov. Abbott explained that the bill is needed. Although House Democrats fled the state for weeks, lawmakers eventually passed new voting restrictions. Sherri Greenberg, professor of practice and fellow of the Max Sherman chair . Dan Patrick, another property tax relief hawk, has introduced a note of caution, warning the Legislature could not spend half of the surplus without busting its self-imposed spending cap. Lawmakers begin work today for their biennial legislative session. Updated: This is definitely about property taxes, but its also a battle of wills. Abbott calls second special session amid property tax standoff, their plan offers better long-term relief than the other, simmering tensions between Abbott and Patrick for years, Texas House GOP blocks last-ditch effort to raise AR-15 age, Texas Senate's teacher raise plan boosts small wealthy districts, Texas House votes to block vouchers, in clash with Abbott, Senate, Texas Democrats are ready for a school funding battle today, Texas teachers wary of GOP lawmaker plans to lift up schools, Astroworld: Grand jury declines to indict Travis Scott, others.