The House engrossed version of HB 347 proposes to amend the Local Government Code by eliminating the distinction between Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities and counties for consent annexation. If finally passed by the Legislature, the bill would bring an end to all forced annexations in Texas.
Taxes & Spending
The Staggering Amount of New Debt Added in May 2026
On May 2nd, 2026, Texas voters did something astonishing. They approved more new debt in that single afternoon than the entire gross domestic product of the country of Uganda. The $76.4 billion in new principal debt authorized that day won’t be issued tomorrow; but with voter approval in-hand, local governments now have the go-ahead to borrow more and add onto the $368.3 billion in principal debt already owed. Of course, these totals...
July 21, 2026