The regular session of the 88^th Texas Legislature concluded on May 29, and the first special session began immediately afterwards. The attention on the special session(s) ahead may have distracted from the pro-business achievements of the regular session. Below are a handful of bills that passed both the House and Senate which will enhance economic prosperity in Texas.

Economic Development

Passage of an economic development incentive bill to keep Texas competitive with other states for business was the Fort Worth Chamber’s top priority this session. House Bill 5 – summarized extensively in our last update – replaces Chapter 313 by offering a temporary, partial abatement of school district property taxes in exchange for the creation of high-paying jobs. It was signed into law by Governor Abbott on June 8.

Education and Workforce

On recommendations of the Texas Commission on Community College Finance (TCCCF), House Bill 8 established a public junior college finance program through base tier funding plus performance tier funding, emphasizing credentials awarded, credits transferring to four-year institutions, and high-demand occupations. The bill passed both the House and Senate, and is awaiting the Governor’s signature.

Infrastructure

The Legislature addressed several different elements of the state’s infrastructure portfolio. Each bill below has either been sent to the Governor’s desk, or has been signed into law.

• HB 9 created funding for expansion of broadband across the state
• SB 28 created funding for enhanced for water infrastructure improvements and securing new water sources
• HB 2230 and SCR 2 extended the sunset of Proposition 1 and Proposition 7, respectfully, to continue funding for state highways in Texas

Top Headlines

National

• NBC News | Senators to introduce a bipartisan AI bill aimed at keeping up with China
• U.S. Chamber | How an Airline Compensation Requirement Could Result in Higher Fares and Fewer Choices
• Reuters | With eye on China, US and five allies condemn trade-related 'economic coercion'

State and Local

• Tribune |Texas leaders’ property tax relief standoff continues as Senate digs in
• Tribune | Texas comptroller certifies new $321.3 billion state spending plan
• Star-Telegram |Tarrant County leaders approve tax breaks for homeowners
• Fort Worth Report |Fort Worth’s Eastside Transportation Plan offers comprehensive approach to safety, land use
• Community Impact | Fort Worth, Keller join forces on $6.4 million transportation project at US 377/Keller Hicks

Upcoming Dates

• June 13: Fort Worth City Council Work Meeting, 6 p.m.
• June 20: Tarrant County Commissioners Court, 10 a.m.