The Texas Constitution gives the governor authority to veto bills and requires that the veto power be exercised within 10 days after legislation is passed during session, or within 20 days of the Legislature’s adjournment. The veto period for the 86th legislature ended on June 19. Of the 4,581 bills passed by the House and…
Today is the last day of the 86th Legislative Session. In the past two weeks, among other actions, the legislature has approved final bills on the budget and supplemental budget, school finance reform, property tax reform, approved major changes to the state’s treatment of online sales tax, and extended significant “Chapter 312” property tax abatements. …
Texas House Passes SB 2. On Wednesday, the House of Representatives gave its final approval to SB 2, the property tax reform package, after several hours of debate. As passed, the bill would require taxing units like cities, counties, and emergency services districts to hold an election to approve raising more than 3.5% more property…
House Approves Hemp Production. On Wednesday, the House gave unanimous approval to HB 1325 by Rep. Tracy King (D-Batesville) to allow the farming and cultivation of industrial hemp, a cousin of the marijuana plant with low levels of psychoactive compounds. In addition to allowing farmers to grow hemp, the proposal would legalize the production…