AUSTIN – Today, a fiscally responsible and strong Senate budget, Committee Substitute for House Bill 1 (HB 1) by Senate Finance Chair Jane Nelson, passed 30-1. “Texans have declared they want leadership that keeps this state the beacon of economic prosperity and freedom,” said Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. “The Senate has been working day and… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) by Senator Kelly Hancock. “This historic bill has been a priority for more than a decade and I am proud that the Texas Senate has finally accomplished this goal,” said Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. SB 9 tightens the state spending limit (cap)… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today the Texas Senate advanced Senate Bill 10 (SB 10) by State Affairs Chair Senator Joan Huffman. SB 10 by Sen. Huffman will move the Public Integrity Unit, which is responsible for an initial investigation into complaints alleging offenses against public administration, into the Texas Ranger Division of the Department of Public Safety…. Read more »

AUSTIN – I appreciate the hard work of Ways and Means Chairman, Representative Dennis Bonnen. However, his plan, that does not include any property tax relief to homeowners, is out of step with Texans, my office, the Senate and the Governor, who said in his State of the State address, “I will reject any budget… Read more »

“Once again, I applaud Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for securing the decision handed down by a Federal Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. “This ruling, which finds that President Obama’s administration misled the court regarding early implementation of expanded work permits to illegal immigrants, sends a strong message… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, the Texas Senate advanced three priority education reform bills that will improve school accountability, help our teachers and provide school choice. The Senate Education Committee voted Senate Bill 4 (SB 4) by Senate Education Chair Larry Taylor, out of committee. “Senate Bill 4 is a landmark piece of legislation that provides school… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today the Texas Senate passed two critical pieces of school reform legislation; Senate Bill 6 (SB 6) by Senator Larry Taylor and Senate Bill 13 (SB 13) by Senator Charles Perry, et al.   SB 6 by Sen. Larry Taylor was passed to third reading by a vote of 20-10, and will bring… Read more »

Senate Passes Historic Tax Relief Package for Homeowners and Businesses AUSTIN – Today, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick commends the Texas Senate for delivering true tax relief for homeowners and businesses. Senate Bill 1(SB 1), Senate Joint Resolution 1(SJR 1), Senate Bill 7 and Senate Bill 8 (SB 7 & SB 8) passed out of the… Read more »

AUSTIN – After failing to pass for several legislative sessions, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick applauded Senator Brian Birdwell’s leadership to advance “campus carry” Senate Bill 11 (SB 11) with a vote of 20 -11. SB 11 – Birdwell proposes the following: Relating to the carrying of handguns on the campuses of and certain other… Read more »

AUSTIN – Today, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick congratulated Senator Craig Estes and supporting senators for the final passage of Senate Bill 17 (SB 17) with a vote of 20 – 10. SB 17 proposes the following: Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry a… Read more »