January 13. 2023

LEGISLATIVE HEADLINES

Texas Lawmakers Will Have $188.2 Billion Available for the Next Budget After Record-Breaking Revenue Growth

texastribune.org

Texas is projected to have $188.2 billion available in general revenue for funding the business of the state over the 2024-25 biennium — an unprecedented 26% increase from what lawmakers had during the last budget cycle, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said Monday in his biennial revenue estimate to state lawmakers and leaders.

The Texas Legislative Session has Begun. Here are 6 Things We’re Watching

texastribune.org

Lawmakers returned to Austin today for their biennial assembly to pass new laws and decide how to spend the state’s money for the next two years.

Republicans maintained their nearly 30-year dominance over Texas politics in last November’s midterm elections, growing their majorities in both legislative chambers and keeping their grasp on every statewide elected office. That means Texans can expect the Legislature to continue to swing conservative on both fiscal and social matters.

Just how conservative they go will be the main question, as the battle between far-right, socially conservative Republicans and business-oriented GOP legislators, who have tried to move away from fights over social issues, continues within the party.

Texas House Speaker Addresses Prospects of Anti-LGBTQ Bills, Gun Legislation and Casinos

texastribune.org

Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan said Thursday a select committee he formed in 2021 will address a number of social issues that conservatives are pushing this legislative session.

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Here are several other topics Phelan addressed in the briefing Thursday:

Democratic committee chairs, Chapter 313, Chapter 313, and Casinos.

A Little Birdy Told Me...

This is our first Legislative Update in the first week of the 88th Texas Legislature. The key features include: the headlines from Austin, bills we're tracking, headlines related to our North Texas transit agencies, and this little section that will tweet tweet about the gossip from the Austin bubble.

The Texas Legislature has never been known as having writer's block. Legislators turn out hundreds of bills during a session. If you don't see an important bill in our list you think we should be tracking, please email the bill number or subject to: cwillhite@transitnorthtexas.org.

TRANSIT RELATED BILLS

HB 366 Bell, Cecil (R)

Relating to the filing of a bond by a private high-speed rail operator with the Texas Department of Transportation.

Companions: HB 1054 Bell, Cecil (Refiled from 87R Session)

Bill History: 11-14-22 H Filed

HB 1187 Jones, Jolanda (F)(D)

Relating to the inclusion of affordable housing as a qualifying project for public-private partnerships.

Companions: HB 2317 Coleman, Garnet (Refiled from 87R Session) and SB 610 Alvarado, Carol (Refiled from 87R Session)

Bill History: 01-05-23 H Filed

Back at the Ranch...

From Community Impact: DART GoLink to Expand Hours of Operation in 2023

From Fort Worth Report: ‘We Can’t Be Scared to Talk:’ TCU, Fort Worth Report Event to Focus on Community Listening

From Fort Worth Business Press: TEXRail Notes Fourth Anniversary with Free Train Rides

From CBS News: What You Need to Know About the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

From KRLD News Radio: Transportation Leaders Suggest Texas Lawmakers Plan for Continued Growth Amid Budget Surplus