Past Contributions

• Advocates say lawmakers largely exempted themselves from Texas' public records law, prompting calls for a veto

  By Shannon Najmabadi and Jay Root June 14, 2019

  Critics say a bill awaiting Gov. Greg Abbott's signature would mark an expansion of lawmakers’ ability to wall off their records from public scrutiny. Full Story 

• Gov. Greg Abbott signs bill designed to limit property tax growth

  By Riane Roldan and Shannon Najmabadi June 12, 2019

  A top priority of state leaders, the legislation requires voter approval before local governments increase their property tax revenue by more than 3.5%. Full Story 

• Most Texas workers will no longer lose their occupational license if they default on student loans

  By Shannon Najmabadi June 7, 2019

  A 2018 report from the Texas Tribune found more than 4,200 people in the state — including security guards, cosmetologists and pharmacists – were at risk of losing their license because of student loan default in 2017. Full Story 

• Abbott vetoes popular domestic violence bill because of an unrelated provision about radioactive waste fees

  By Shannon Najmabadi June 5, 2019

  The bill would have required domestic violence survivors to be notified when offenders are released on bond. But the Republican governor nixed the legislation over a provision by Democratic state Rep. Poncho Nevárez that would have delayed a West Texas waste facility's increase in state fees. Full Story 

• The property tax reform package is heading to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk

  By Shannon Najmabadi May 25, 2019

  The bill aims to slow rising property tax revenues and make it easier for Texans to understand how their tax bills are determined. The House and Senate both approved it Saturday, and it is expected to soon be sent to Abbott for his signature. Full Story 

• An amendment about waste facility fees was added to a widely supported domestic violence bill. Will it stick?

  By Shannon Najmabadi May 25, 2019

  Sen. Lois Kolkhorst's office said Saturday that she "is still evaluating all options available to save SB 1804." Full Story 

• Here's what we know about the Legislature's final property tax reform bill

  By Shannon Najmabadi May 24, 2019

  The final version of the bill is expected to require cities, counties and emergency service districts to hold an election before raising 3.5% more property tax revenue than the previous year. Community colleges and hospital districts would need to do so at 8%. Full Story 

• Texas picklers get a victory from the Legislature

  By Shannon Najmabadi May 23, 2019

  A proposal on its way to Gov. Greg Abbott would make it easier for pickled beets, carrots and other produce to be sold at farmers markets alongside pickled cucumbers. Full Story 

• Texas A&M won't renew President Michael Young's contract — but says there's no plan for him to leave

  By Shannon Najmabadi May 23, 2019

  “We look forward to your continued service as our president,” A&M System Chancellor John Sharp wrote in a letter to Young. Full Story 

• "People were giving us lip service": Texas cities' legislative efforts have struggled this year

  By Shannon Najmabadi May 14, 2019

  When weighing in on issues like property taxes, the main interest group representing cities has encountered skepticism. Full Story