The 86th Texas Legislature began Jan. 8 and continues through May 27. These updates are what has happened since the session began as well as the latest bill filings from lawmakers representing the Northwest Austin area.

Education

A school finance reform bill—House Bill 3—aims to restructure the school finance system by directing $9 billion toward Texas school funding and lowering school district property taxes by 4 cents. It was filed by Public Education Chairman state Rep. Dan Huberty, R-Houston. The Texas Senate unanimously passed a bill that would provide annual $5,000 pay raises for all full-time classroom teachers and school librarians in the state. The measure now moves to the House of Representatives. The Texas House Democratic Caucus is calling for a $14.5 billion school finance package that includes all-day pre-K, teacher raises and property tax relief.

Hurricane Harvey

New legislation would require sellers of residential properties to notify buyers if a property is located in a flood-prone area—and whether it has previously flooded. State Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, has a package of bills that could create Texas’ first statewide flood plan. The statewide plan would incorporate regional plans to better coordinate flood-control projects and strategies.

Other

State Sen. Dawn Buckingham, R-Lakeway, and state Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, D-Austin, filed a pair of bills Jan. 7 aimed at legalizing the sale of beer to-go from manufacturing breweries. In his State of the Judiciary address, Nathan Hecht, Texas Supreme Court chief justice, called on legislators to consider backing nonpartisan judicial elections as well as bail reform. In his State of the State address, Gov. Greg Abbott said he is willing to work to revive The University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University football game.