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Texas Political News

Federal Guns IssuesCornyn’s Gun Reform Bill Supporting Background Checks, Closing ‘Boyfriend Loophole’ Passes Congress

Hayden SparksJune 24, 2022

Cornyn and his colleagues crafted the bill in response to recent mass shootings, including at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.

87th Legislature State House State Senate Taxes & SpendingProperty Tax Disaster Loophole for Pandemics Closed by 87th Legislature

Brad JohnsonJune 1, 2021

A year after a loophole was triggered allowing property taxes to be increased above the new limits during the pandemic, the state legislature has passed legislation attempting to close it.

87th Legislature State House State Senate Taxes & SpendingClosure of Property Tax Disaster Loophole Used to Raise Rates Moves Through Texas Legislature

Brad JohnsonApril 21, 2021

Last year, some localities took advantage of a loophole in the tax code to raise property taxes above the newly established limits.

87th Legislature State Senate Taxes & SpendingTexas Senate Bill Would Tie Property Tax Disaster Loophole to ‘Physical’ Damage, Excluding Pandemic

Brad JohnsonMarch 11, 2021

The pandemic brought to light a loophole in 2019's Senate Bill 2 that legislators are now hoping to close.

87th Legislature State House Taxes & SpendingPandemic Tax Increase Restrictions, Disaster Loophole Recourse Within State COVID-19 Bill

Brad JohnsonFebruary 26, 2021

Use of the property tax disaster loophole could be restricted under a new Texas House bill that aims to curb tax increases during a pandemic.

Local News Taxes & SpendingHouston Uses COVID-19 Disaster Loophole to Raise Taxes Beyond State Limit

Holly HansenOctober 21, 2020

Despite having the highest number of new unemployment claims in the state, the Houston City Council approved a tax rate that will increase the property burden for next year.

Taxes & SpendingTwo Texas Republicans Highlight Recourse for Localities That Raise Property Taxes Via Loophole

Brad JohnsonAugust 11, 2020

Due to tax revenue shortfalls caused by the pandemic and government shutdowns, a number of localities are looking to raise property taxes above the rate set by the legislature.

Local News Taxes & SpendingHarris County To Consider Disaster Declaration “Loophole” To Raise Property Tax Rate Above SB 2 Limit

Holly HansenAugust 6, 2020

The Harris County Commissioners Court did not make a final decision on next year's property tax rate, but are considering four options — three of which will raise taxes.

State House State Senate Statewide News Taxes & SpendingLawmakers Suggest Penalty for Localities Hiking Up Property Taxes with Loophole

Brad JohnsonJune 8, 2020

While the Texas Municipal League asserts localities are exempt from the new limits, state leaders maintain the opposite and are applying pressure to prevent increases in the first place.

Taxes & SpendingRepublican Leaders Oppose Disaster Property Tax Increases, Say Loophole Doesn’t Apply to Coronavirus-Related Damage

Brad JohnsonMay 21, 2020

With tax revenues declining, cities and counties may look to raise property taxes above the 3.5 percent threshold instituted by SB 2 thanks to a loophole in the law.

86th Legislature Local News State House State Senate Taxes & SpendingProperty Tax Loophole Could Allow Rate Increases Above New Limits Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

Brad JohnsonApril 9, 2020

Because of the statewide disaster declaration, local taxing entities will be able to raise property taxes above the thresholds instituted by SB 2.

Federal Immigration & Border IssuesTexas Congresswoman Accused of Using Staff to Coach Illegal Immigrants on Asylum Loopholes

Brad JohnsonJuly 10, 2019

The allegations against freshman Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16) come amid continuing tensions at the U.S. southern border.