Tag Archives: Texas Legislature
Texas lawmakers may alter property tax collection. But how does it even work?
During a recent committee hearing on a property tax bill, a state lawmaker made an unusual comment: He praised Travis County. “Travis County has the best record on reducing tax rate,” said state Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston), the author of…
Budget • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Jul 26, 2017
City of Austin welcomes Texas AG opinion on local tree rules
In Austin, and in about 60 other Texas cities, you need to get a permit before you cut down some large or historic trees. Opponents of those tree preservation rules – including Gov. Greg Abbott – call them a violation…
Texas State Legislature • By Mose Buchele, KUT • Jul 18, 2017
Lawmakers to tackle local construction regulations during special session
Local control was a recurring theme during the 85th Texas Legislative session, and many of those policy debates will continue during the upcoming special session. When Gov. Greg Abbott announced the 20 items that will be taken up by lawmakers,…
Development • By Syeda Hasan • Jul 17, 2017
County's clean air programs in question after Abbott's vetoes
A pair of Gov. Greg Abbott’s line-item vetoes has Travis County once again scrambling to clean up the aftermath, this time involving two air quality programs. On June 23 12, Abbott blasted out of the state budget bill all future…
Travis County • By Caleb Pritchard • Jul 14, 2017
Council OKs $6.9 million in fee waivers for state
Despite Gov. Greg Abbott’s long list of proposed topics for an upcoming special session of the Texas Legislature that look a lot like Austin bashing, City Council voted Thursday to allow staff to negotiate an interlocal agreement with the Texas…
Austin • By Jo Clifton • Jun 23, 2017
Mayor, City Council members hold news conference on 'sanctuary' suit
The city of Austin filed a motion in federal court Monday, seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent the enforcement of Senate Bill 4, the state’s new law barring so-called “sanctuary cities.” Mayor Steve Adler called SB 4 unconstitutional and said…
Courts • By KUT News • Jun 20, 2017
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State Senate trumps Austin's ride-hailing regulations
The Texas Legislature has cleared the road for Uber and Lyft to return to Austin on their own terms. On Wednesday, the state Senate overwhelmingly approved House Bill 100 on second and third readings, sending the statewide ride-hailing regulations to…
Transportation • By Caleb Pritchard • May 18, 2017
Anti-annexation bill now biggest threat to city
Although there were numerous legislative proposals that threatened Austin at the beginning of the current session of the Texas Legislature, the one that now appears to put Austin’s ability to grow and pay for its services in greatest jeopardy is…
Texas State Legislature • By Jo Clifton • May 17, 2017
Commission on Immigrant Affairs responds to SB 4
As the sky crumbled above them, the city’s Commission on Immigrant Affairs scrambled to pick up the pieces Monday night in response to Gov. Greg Abbott’s signing of Senate Bill 4 over the weekend. Slated to become law September 1,…
Public Safety • By Joseph Caterine • May 11, 2017
House sets the table for Uber and Lyft's return to Austin
Uber and Lyft’s self-imposed exile from Austin could be nearing the beginning of the end. On Wednesday, the Texas House of Representatives voted to approve House Bill 100 on a crucial second reading. The bill would create a statewide regulatory…
Texas State Legislature • By Caleb Pritchard • Apr 20, 2017
Linkage fees challenged at legislature
Just as Austin is beginning to study the idea of adopting linkage fees – fees on new construction levied for the purpose of raising funds for affordable housing – the Texas Legislature could be poised to close off that avenue.…
Development • By Jo Clifton • Apr 11, 2017
Troxclair's legislative speeches criticized
During a legislative briefing at Tuesday’s City Council work session, Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo criticized Council Member Ellen Troxclair for testifying against the city’s position on three hot topics at the Texas Legislature. “I need to express my grave…
