Here’s a quick recap of what happened over the last week:
Senate Passes State Budget
The Texas Senate passed their version of a $336 billion spending plan for the next two years that would boost teacher pay, establish a school voucher program, and cut property taxes, while staying under state spending caps that will leave billions of dollars unspent.
The Senate plan includes $71 billion for Texas’ K-12 public schools and more than $4.3 billion for targeted teacher pay raises based on years of experience and student performance. The Senate budget also sets aside $1 billion for a voucher program over the next two years, double what was on the table in 2023. Additionally, it devotes $500 million to increasing the state’s school safety funding.
The bill appropriates $6.5 billion to border security, split between the Governor’s Office, the Texas Military Department, and the Department of Public Safety. DPS would also receive another $403 million for 567 new law enforcement officers and 160 support positions.
The Senate has budgeted $6.5 billion for new property tax cuts. Of that, $3 billion is slotted to go to local school districts so they can bring down their tax rates. The Senate would put much of the remaining $3.5B allocated toward increasing the state’s homestead exemption, which lowers the amount of a home’s value that can be taxed to pay for public schools. The new tax cuts come on top of more than $44 billion both chambers are slated to spend to maintain existing tax relief approved since 2019.
The Senate budget also allocates nearly $10 billion for improvements in the state’s energy, water, and broadband infrastructure. This includes $5 billion towards the Texas Energy Fund, a loan program meant to incentivize the development of gas-fueled power plants, $2.5 billion for the Texas Water Fund, with a plan to dedicate $1 billion a year toward water projects amid Texas’ looming water shortage, and $2.4 billion into the Texas Broadband Development Office to expand internet access.
The House budget proposal is expected to differ in a few key areas. It plans to increase public education funding by raising the base amount per student, rather than targeted salary increases. Further, the house will provide property tax relief through compression rather than increasing the homestead exemption. In other words, both chambers share the same objectives, but disagree on the strategies to accomplish them.
Water Bill Passes Senate Committee
Senate Bill 7 – a comprehensive bill to address the state’s water needs and funding — was voted favorably from Senate committee on Monday. This bill aims to enhance the state’s water infrastructure and supply by creating the Water Supply for Texas Fund that will create expanded categories of projects eligible for funding and encouraging non-traditional water supply development.
The Texas Water Fund can allocate funds to this initiative and finance new water supply projects, including imports from out of state. Additionally, a dedicated revenue stream from the Texas Water Fund will support flood infrastructure projects. The Texas Water Development Board is tasked with developing technical standards for water supply pipelines and facilitating connectivity between them.
The legislation prohibits using state funds for projects that involve buying surface rights out of their original basin or transporting non-saline groundwater via state-funded pipelines. These restrictions were included in an effort to protect property owners’ rights to freshwater aquifers, emphasizing the need to develop new water sources without further depleting existing resources.
House to Have First Calendar
We are now more than halfway through the session, and the House has not had a floor calendar to pass legislation. However, with a new House Speaker, the pace of the session in the lower chamber is understandably slower than the Senate, who has had all of the same leadership in place for the last several sessions. Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows did not secure the position until the first day of the session, and then had to hire staff, appoint committees, begin referring legislation, etc.…
On Tuesday, the House will have its first calendar for consideration on the House floor. And on Wednesday, the House will debate property tax legislation. The House proposals will send $3 billion to school districts to try and help them reduce property tax rates and will give individuals and businesses breaks on personal property used in the operation of their jobs such as computers, furniture, and vehicles. This differs from the Senate proposal that further reduces the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000.
Burrows released figures to the membership this week showing the numbers of bills that had been referred and the number of bills that had been heard in committee. The House Calendars Committee – tasked with setting the House floor calendar – now has 43 bills in committee, meaning those are bills that have been reported out of the standing committees and can now be considered by the Calendars committee for the House floor calendar.
Lt. Governor Threatens Special Session
Under the state constitution, only the Governor can actually call a special session of the legislature. Special sessions can last only 30 days in length and only legislation in the call of the special session can be considered.
However, the Lt. Governor certainly has the power to force the Governor to call a special session. As presiding officer of the Senate, the Lt. Governor has control over all legislation considered by the Senate, thus having the power to block any bill from passing. This gives him the power to force a special session.
This week, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick threatened to do just that if two of his top priorities are not passed by the legislature. Patrick said if the House does not pass the Senate bill to stop the exploding hemp market in Texas and another package of bills that allow judges to deny bail to defendants accused of murder, aggravated kidnapping, or assault with a weapon, he would force a special session on those two issues.
Patrick did not specify what legislation he would hold up, but the most likely candidates are the state budget or any of the sunset bills making their way through the process. The sunset bills are the result of a nearly two-year long review of certain state agencies that if not passed, will cause the elimination of the agency. Some of the agencies up for sunset review this session that require passage of legislation to continue their existence are the Department of Criminal Justice, the Ethics Commission, the Lottery Commission, Board of Pardons and Paroles and numerous river authorities.
Patrick made HB 3 a priority in response to the state’s rapidly growing hemp market that now has an estimated 8,000 retailers selling THC laced products such as gummies, vapes, and drinks. The industry has grown by exploiting a loophole in state law that intended to produce hemp products such as rope and other fabrics. That bill has passed the Senate and is awaiting consideration in the House. The package of bail reform measure is being considered in response to the murder of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungray, who was killed in Houston last year. The two men charged with the murder are in the country illegally and were out on bail at the time after being charged for other offenses.
School Voucher Update
State leaders this week renewed their commitment to pass legislation that would create Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), allowing families to use tax dollars to send their children to private schools. On Tuesday, Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and newly elected House Speaker Dustin Burrows were joined by former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey to promote the voucher legislation. Ducey, who signed the nation’s first universal ESA bill into law, touted the success of Arizona’s program and called on Texas to follow suit, stating that Texas’s adoption of school choice would have national implications due to the state’s size and influence.
Texas lawmakers are advancing ESA proposals through HB 3 and SB 2, both of which are modeled after Arizona’s universal program. These bills would provide around $10,000 per student to use for private school tuition, with higher amounts—up to $30,000—for students with disabilities, and up to $2,000 for homeschoolers. The proposed ESA bills in Texas come with a $1 billion price tag and are estimated to cost up to $7 billion by 2030, according to the HB 3 fiscal note. In addition to the school choice measure, House Republicans are proposing HB 2, a $7.6 billion public school funding bill, which includes raising the basic allotment for school districts by $220 per student and increasing teacher pay.
Arizona’s ESA program, initially projected to cost $65 million, ballooned to over $400 million, triggering budget cuts and allegations of misuse. Many Texans are fearful of similar consequences to come–especially as evidence suggests the majority of ESA users in Arizona were already attending private schools. Democrats – unanimously opposed to the voucher legislation — contended that Republicans may be losing steam and argued that the appearance by former governor Ducey is an attempt to reignite momentum.
Speaker Burrows expressed confidence in passing the House’s version of ESAs, arguing that HB 3 has support from 80 House Republicans, and more are expected to join. He emphasized that HB 3 and HB 2 will be considered together to showcase the state’s dual commitment to public education and voucher options. With the Senate already having passed its version of ESAs in February, the House Education Committee is positioned to vote on HB 3 sometime next week.
Dallas Congresswoman Hot Wheels Comment
U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat representing Dallas, sparked controversy after referring to Governor Greg Abbott as “Hot Wheels” during a speech at a Human Rights Campaign event, a comment widely interpreted as mocking Abbott’s use of a wheelchair. The remark drew sharp criticism from Republicans, including Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. Additionally, Rep. Randy Weber, who represents the Beaumont area, announced plans to file a motion to censure Crockett.
Following the controversy and backlash, Crockett attempted to clarify that her comment was aimed at Abbott’s controversial policies regarding busing immigrants to other parts of the country, and not his disability. Crockett, known for her fiery exchanges with Republicans and viral moments in congressional hearings, defended her rhetoric as part of a broader critique of Abbott’s governance. The incident adds to a history of political figures facing backlash for referencing Abbott’s disability, though Crockett maintained that her intent was policy focused.
Cornyn Announces for Reelection
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn has officially launched his reelection campaign for a fifth term in 2026, with a video that prominently emphasizes his alliance with President Donald Trump. The announcement includes multiple references to Trump, signaling Cornyn’s intent to solidify his support among pro-Trump Republicans amid speculation of a potentially contentious GOP primary. Cornyn has been on the hot seat recently with pro-Trump Republicans over accusations that he is too centrist and caters to Democrats more than he should. In response, Cornyn has highlighted his role in advancing Trump-era policies, including tax cuts and Supreme Court appointments.
One of Cornyn’s most vocal potential challengers is Attorney General Ken Paxton, a well-known Trump ally who has publicly criticized Cornyn for not being loyal enough to the President and the conservative agenda. Paxton accused Cornyn of undermining Trump and being out of touch with the party’s base. Other Trump-aligned figures like U.S. Reps. Wesley Hunt and Ronny Jackson have also been floated as potential contenders. The tension surrounding Cornyn’s reelection once again highlights the diversity of Republican party’s ideological alignments and intra-party restlessness we’ve seen since the session began in January.
A primary showdown between Cornyn and Paxton could become one of the most intense and expensive Republican battles in Texas history, with experts estimating campaign spending could reach $40 to $50 million. Paxton would have to pass on a reelection bid for Attorney General to challenge Cornyn in 2026 and believes he could defeat Cornyn if he can raise enough funds, noting his strong grassroots support and constituent dissatisfaction with the incumbent.
Several polls on the race show Paxton with a substantial advantage over Cornyn among Republican primary voters. A poll released yesterday by Texas Public Opinion Research showed Paxton favored by 38% of Republican primary voters compared to 27% for Cornyn. Furthermore, the poll shows Cornyn with an approval rate of only 21% among all Texas voters, by far the lowest of any statewide official. Cornyn has consistently – among a variety of polls – had the lowest approval rating among all statewide officials.
Cornyn is seeking his 5th term in the US Senate. At 73, if elected, he would be 80 years old when his term ends in 2032.
Strayhorn Passes Away
Carole Keeton Strayhorn passed away on Wednesday at the age of 85. A pioneering Texas politician, she was the first woman elected as both mayor of Austin and the state comptroller. A lifelong Austinite and University of Texas alumna, Keeton began her public service on the Austin ISD board before becoming mayor in 1977, serving three terms. She went on to serve a term on the Texas Railroad Commission and two terms as state comptroller from 1999 to 2007, earning a reputation for her dedication to public service. In 2006, she launched an independent gubernatorial campaign, proudly branding herself as “one tough grandma,” a move that, despite the outcome, won her admiration across party lines. Keeton was remembered by her family and colleagues as a passionate advocate with an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Texans.
Political Notes
Gov. Abbott is receiving criticism for not calling a special election to fill the unexpired term of Congressman Sylvester Turner of Houston who passed away nearly a month ago. Turner passed away just three months into his first term representing a solidly Democratic district in Houston. The successor will assuredly be a Democrat. With the Republicans’ thin majority in Congress, Abbott has no incentive to call a special election to return a Democrat to Congress. Democrats in Houston are critical of Abbott, saying he is putting party politics over the need for the residents in the Congressional district to have representation. Regarding the special election, Abbott’s office has released a statement saying, “an announcement regarding a special election will be made at a later date.”
After a series of disappointments at the ballot box, Democrats in Texas are set to pick a new state chairman for their party. The State Democratic Executive Committee will meet tomorrow to elect a successor to Gilberto Hinojosa who resigned after the November elections ending his 13-year tenure leading the party. The leading contender is Kendall Scudder, who currently serves at the party’s vice-chair for Finance. His top two opponents are Lillie Schechter who is a former chair of the Harris County Democratic Party and Patsy Martin who previously led Annie’ List, which helps elect progressive women in Texas. No Democrat has won a statewide race in Texas since 1994. And, with all statewide offices up for election in 2026, the Democrats have put forward no credible challengers to the current Republican statewide officeholders.
Last week, U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz filed Amicus Curiae briefs, also known as “Friend of the court” briefs in support of conservative activist Michael Quinn Sullivan. This case is a decade-long legal battle between Sullivan and the Texas Ethics Commission. Sullivan, formerly an employee of Empower Texans, was fined $10,000 in 2014 for failing to register as a lobbyist while advocating to influence Texas lawmakers. The issue has been framed, by Sullivan and his supporters, as a First Amendment matter involving the right to engage with elected officials without excessive state interference. They argue that courts have not clearly defined how lobbying laws intersect with free speech protections, and that greater clarity is needed.
Sullivan, along with other conservative groups and figures including Attorney General Ken Paxton, maintains that the Ethics Commission is overreaching and infringing on citizens’ rights to petition the government. However, many have argued–including the two Texas appeals courts which upheld the fine–that the commission applied the law appropriately and that Sullivan’s actions clearly met the threshold for required disclosure. The case has become a flashpoint in a broader debate over political transparency, lobbying regulations, and free speech. Along with Texas political figures, other national conservative think tanks and advocacy organizations are also pushing for the Supreme Court to review the case. The legal and political ramifications of Sullivan’s case could influence how advocacy and lobbying are defined and regulated in the future.
And, if you visit the Capitol, a new policy dictates that all guests to the building should use the bathroom that matches their biological sex. The State Preservation Board – in response to an attempt by some members of the House Republican Caucus – issued that directive this week. Several Republican caucus members had tried at the beginning of the session to place this policy in the House rules, but the effort failed when debate on policies on issues not pertaining to the specific operations of the House was cut off.
What’s Next??
The Senate has recessed until 2PM on Monday.
The House attempted to convene at 9AM today. After a call for strict enforcement was made, a roll call vote determined there was not a quorum present. The House then had to adjourn immediately. The House cannot legally operate without a quorum of 100 members present. Therefore, the House will try again at 10AM tomorrow – yes Saturday – to convene a quorum. I assure you they will not have a quorum on Saturday morning.
After tomorrow’s exercise, the House will then adjourn until Tuesday at 2PM.
A listing of all committee hearings for next week can be found here: https://www.legis.state.tx.us
On Monday, there will be 63 days left in the session.