What’s Next for Housing-Focused Priorities?
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued dozens of post-session vetoes in June. He then called for a Texas Legislation Special Session, which began July 21. But a notable event soon began to unfold. Democratic lawmakers, in a bid to block the passage of a contentious congressional map, chose to leave the state.
The Democrats’ move was designed to break quorum. It effectively prevented the legislative chamber from conducting official business, which requires a minimum number of present members. But the ramifications of this tactic ripple far beyond a single piece of legislation. It influences a wide array of policy decisions and the legislative process itself.
The immediate and most pronounced impact of Democratic legislators fleeing the state was legislative gridlock. Without a quorum, the Texas House of Representatives could not vote on or advance any bills, regardless of their subject matter. This paralysis halted not only the controversial congressional maps but also other proposed legislation.
What Happened Next?
Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation identifying 19 agenda items for Special Session #2 that began August 15. Hours after the Texas Senate approved the new congressional map on August 23, a lawsuit against the governor was filed. It alleges that the redrawn districts are racially discriminatory. The 67-page complaint against Abbott and Secretary of State Jane Nelson supplements legal action filed by LULAC in 2021 challenging the state’s original maps. And it argues that redrawing districts mid-decade is unconstitutional.
The Fight Over Texas Redistricting Draws National Attention
Normally, a nationwide census occurs every ten years to count the population. The data from the U.S. Census Bureau is then used to determine how many congressional seats each state gets. When district populations have shifted significantly, it triggers the need for redistricting. Indeed, Texas’ significant population growth, as documented by the 2020 Census, justified redistricting in 2021 and added two new seats to its congressional delegation. But, according to Democrats, Texas’s population growth does not justify the 2025 redistricting. And the five additional House congressional seats as stipulated by the new map would favor Republicans.
Gerrymandering Battles Intensify
Republicans and Democrats in other states are now fighting to redraw their maps mid-decade too. The intent is either to help or block Trump’s agenda by capturing more seats in the House. California is seeking to cancel out the move in Texas by re-drawing its own districts to boost Democratic representation by five seats. Other Democratic-led states includng Illinois, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire and Maryland have indicated they, too, are prepared to launch countermeasures to the Texas plan. Meanwhile, Indiana, Florida, Missouri and Ohio are looking into redistricting in order to boost Republican representation in Washington.
Next Up on the 2nd Special Session Agenda:
Relief Funding for Hill Country Floods and Better Disaster Preparedness for the Future
Proposals include measures to modernize emergency communications infrastructure and set new standards for hazard alerts. Proposed legislation aims to modernize the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Weather Radio All Hazards network. This network, which covers over 750 weather radio stations nationally, includes 79 stations in Texas. The radio network broadcasts hazard information from nearby National Weather Service offices. This is particularly necessary in areas with poor internet connectivity. There, radio may be the only reliable way to get information about imminent and ongoing disasters. If signed into law, the National Institute of Standards and Technology would develop standards for flash flood emergency alerts in 100-year floodplains.
More Property Tax Cuts, a Ban on Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying, Combating Title Theft and Deed Fraud, Incentivizing Water Conservation
Gov. Abbott wanted state lawmakers to cut property taxes even further during the special session by capping how much cities and counties can increase their spending. Legislation prohibiting the use of tax dollars to hire lobbyists and payment of tax dollars to associations that lobby the Legislature are also up for debate.
Another legislative priority is aimed at bolstering protections against title theft and deed fraud. Lawmakers are considering measures similar to Senate Bill No. 648 from the 89th Legislature, which would introduce more rigorous safeguards for property owners. The proposed reforms are designed to shield Texans from fraudulent transfers of property titles and ensure that homeowners have stronger legal recourse in cases of deception or theft.
And, in an effort to encourage sustainable construction practices, the Legislature also plans to review measures—modeled after Senate Bill No. 1253—that would empower local governments to reduce impact fees for builders who integrate water conservation and efficiency measures into their projects. This initiative seeks to support the development of environmentally responsible housing while helping builders manage costs, ultimately benefiting both homeowners and the state’s natural resources.
THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN VOL 4 2025
BUILDING SAVVY MAGAZINE. IT HAS BEEN UPDATED SINCE PUBLICATION TIME WITH THE LATEST NEWS FROM AUSTIN.
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