The city had been locked in litigation with three churches over a utility rate system that charges nonprofits more than businesses for water.
The bill that was once an across-the-board restriction on localities' use of non-voter-approved spending became substantially neutered on the House floor after amendments.
The May municipal elections were postponed to November by Governor Abbott, resulting in the extension of the terms of local officials up for re-election.
Though the longterm revenue effects of coronavirus on Texas are still coming into focus, local municipalities have begun to feel the repercussions.
As part of the $2 trillion CARES Act, local governments in Texas will be eligible to receive part of a $37.8 million through the state or $24.6 million directly from the federal government.
Austin was among the first cities in Texas to issue shelter-in-place ordinances to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Here is a collection of photos documenting the impact on the city.
After the reforms of the 86th Legislature, local entities have increased their collective debt by $11 billion from the last fiscal year.
