Texas lawmakers last week filed more than 1,500 bills ahead of the next legislative session, which begins Jan. 14. The Houston Chroni- cle reported the proposed measures cover a range of topics ranging from border security to abortion access, education and other issues.
Republicans have expanded their control of both chambers after flip - ping several seats during this year's elections. State Comptroller Glenn Hegar has projected the state will have a $20 billion surplus at the start of the 2025 session.
Among the bills already filed: Proposed reduction or elimi - nation of property taxes. State Rep. Cody Vasut, R-Angleton, has filed a bill to eliminate property taxes altogether and create a committee to examine "alternative methods of taxation." Property taxes raise $81.5 billion annually, meaning their elimination would likely require a marked increase in sales tax. Other proposed bills would use the state's surplus revenue to partially offset property taxes.
