Urban Democrats said they opposed the bill because it didn’t allow planning regulations for land around military bases. They feared that could lead to development that interferes with the installations’ operations.
Brandon Formby
Brandon Formby works with The Texas Tribune’s beat editors and reporters to bring Texans the news, analysis and explanatory journalism they need to put pressing issues into perspective. Previously, as an editor on the news desk, he helped steer coverage of legislative sessions, natural disasters, prolonged power outages, mass shootings and the coronavirus pandemic. As a reporter, he covered urban affairs. Before joining the Tribune in 2016, he reported on transportation, politics and local government for The Dallas Morning News. Brandon grew up in Plano and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Texas Tech University. He is based in Austin.
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State Government
Will Straus become Texas’ longest-serving House speaker? 7 things to keep in mind
The San Antonio Republican defied threats of a special session and stood his ground on the GOP’s battles over bathroom legislation and property tax elections. Now, he’s eyeing a sixth term leading the lower chamber.
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State Government
Chances of House, Senate agreement on property taxes appear slim
The House adjourned for the day Saturday without appointing conferees to work out its differences with the Senate on property tax legislation.
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State Government
House backs property tax changes, but leaves out election requirements
The lower chamber responded to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s threats of a special session by moving key legislation — but omitting provisions that he wanted included.
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State Government
House delays vote on bill Patrick calls crucial to preventing special session
A controversial property tax bill may not get a House vote for a few more days, as the legislative clock winds down and the lieutenant governor’s threats of a special session linger.
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State Government
Lawmakers resume efforts to provide Texans with toll road relief
Amid debate on a routine measure designed to keep the state’s transportation agency in business, House lawmakers on Tuesday renewed their efforts to curb the growing number of toll lanes in the state.
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State Government
Voter approval provisions stripped from controversial property tax bill
State Rep. Dennis Bonnen said there weren’t the votes on the House Ways and Means Committee to pass Senate Bill 2 if it had new election requirements for tax rates local governments set.
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Blocked Out
A lawmaker might have just lost his fight to address West Dallas gentrification
State Rep. Eric Johnson’s bill aimed at providing relief for the epicenter of Dallas’ affordable housing crisis is among legislation expected to be blocked from a House vote on Friday. That would likely kill his bill.
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State Government
Texans want property tax relief, but remade bill still draws opposition
The House substitute of controversial Senate Bill 2 was left pending after state Rep. Dennis Bonnen railed against local leaders still unhappy with changes to the property tax bill.
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State Government
House tweak to Houston pension bill could buy firefighters’ fund more time
Houston’s problematic pension funds, which have caused financial woes and spurred political battles for years, just moved closer to getting a massive makeover.