Earlier today, the Texas Senate gave unanimous approval to SB 1031 by Sen. Florence Shapiro, which would replace the high-school TAKS test with a system of end-of-course exams. Brooke Terry provided testimony when the bill was before the Senate Education Committee. The Senate also unanimously approved SB 103 by Sen. Juan Hinojosa, the Texas Youth Commission overhaul bill. Marc Levin provided testimony and consulted with Sen. Hinojosa’s office on the legislation.Yesterday, the House Land & Resource Management Committee passed HB 2006 by Rep. Beverly Woolley (eminent domain), while the House Insurance Committee approved HB 1269 by Rep. Myra Crownover (HSA option for state employees). Bill Peacock provided testimony on HB 2006 and Mary Katherine Stout on HB 1269 during their original committee hearings.
Where the Texas Budget Stands
On Thursday, the Texas House and the Texas Senate released the conference committee report for House Bill 1, which represents the state’s nearly complete budget for fiscal years 2024 and 2025. The measure now goes back to both chambers for approval. It will take some time to fully grasp the 1,000+ page document, but a...