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4mo ago

Key Texas Legislative Priorities Hit Deadlock as Session End Nears

With school vouchers passed, negotiations continue on public school funding, abortion clarifications, and property tax relief as critical deadlines loom.

Nimitz Middle School students line up to enter their next class on Sept. 13, 2023 in Odessa.
Texas Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows presides over discussion of SB 2 Amendment 1 in the House Chamber in Austin on April 16, 2025.
Wispy clouds over the Capitol on Monday January 9, 2023, the day before the start of the 88th Texas Legislature.

Overview

  • Governor Abbott's private school voucher program has been signed into law, marking a significant milestone in the legislative session.
  • Lawmakers have reached a bipartisan agreement to increase homestead exemptions and dedicate $1 billion annually to water infrastructure, pending voter approval as a constitutional amendment.
  • The $8 billion public school funding package remains stalled, with disagreements over teacher pay formulas and basic allotment increases for districts.
  • Senate Bill 31, which aims to clarify abortion exceptions under Texas's near-total ban, is advancing but has yet to reach a final vote.
  • Social conservative measures, including prayer in schools and restrictions on drag story hours, continue to move through committees but face tight procedural deadlines.