INSIDER
Lawmaker questions water quality safety measures at Harris County jail after whistleblower complaint
Read full article: Lawmaker questions water quality safety measures at Harris County jail after whistleblower complaintSen. Paul Bettencourt is asking a judge to look into a whistleblower's complaints after learning only one out of four water tanks are being used because the other three have rusted over.
Texas would need about $81.5 billion a year to end property taxes, officials say
Read full article: Texas would need about $81.5 billion a year to end property taxes, officials sayTexas Republicans have been trying to reduce the state’s high property taxes for years, but some acknowledge eliminating them would be too expensive.
Harris County voter outreach proposal sparks another fight with Texas Republicans
Read full article: Harris County voter outreach proposal sparks another fight with Texas RepublicansThe county plans to ID eligible voters and send them registration forms. GOP officials say it’s an end-run around state law.
‘Of little to no use:’ Texas Lt. Governor wants CenterPoint to pay for generators funded by ratepayers
Read full article: ‘Of little to no use:’ Texas Lt. Governor wants CenterPoint to pay for generators funded by ratepayersTexas’ Lt. Governor Dan Patrick criticized CenterPoint Energy for leasing massive rate-payer funded generators instead of mobile generators which could be used more effectively in emergency situations.
Texas legislators want to help property owners deal with squatters. But the changes could affect tenants.
Read full article: Texas legislators want to help property owners deal with squatters. But the changes could affect tenants.Housing advocates say Texas laws fall short when it comes to property trespassers but they warn changes could worsen the state’s evictions crisis.
Texans get their first crack at electing the people overseeing the state’s complicated property appraisal process
Read full article: Texans get their first crack at electing the people overseeing the state’s complicated property appraisal processIn the state’s larger counties, voters can now elect people to the agencies that appraise property values.
Here’s how much Houston area homeowners are saving on tax bills
Read full article: Here’s how much Houston area homeowners are saving on tax billsHave you checked out your property tax bill this year? Texas homeowners are noticing big savings thanks to legislation passed by lawmakers and voters. Investigator Amy Davis explains what to look for on your bill.
‘I was surprised’: Houston-area homeowners react to new property tax-cut law
Read full article: ‘I was surprised’: Houston-area homeowners react to new property tax-cut lawTexas lawmakers passed and voters approved several property tax bills last year. Those bills will be due at the end of the month, and it will save some hundreds of dollars.
Texas GOP sues attorney hired to challenge 2022 Harris County election results
Read full article: Texas GOP sues attorney hired to challenge 2022 Harris County election resultsThe Republican Party of Texas is suing an attorney it claims it paid to help challenge the results of the 2022 elections in Harris County.
Texas on the cusp of enacting new immigration enforcement law
Read full article: Texas on the cusp of enacting new immigration enforcement lawGov. Greg Abbott is expected to soon sign an immigration enforcement bill into law. Senate Bill 4 was passed by the state House and Senate during the legislature’s 4th special session.
Texas homeowners and businesses will get a tax cut after voters approve Proposition 4
Read full article: Texas homeowners and businesses will get a tax cut after voters approve Proposition 4The $18 billion property tax-cut package is aimed squarely at lowering school district property taxes, which make up the lion’s share of a Texas landowner’s property tax bill.
Senate Republicans say House managers failed to meet high burden of proof
Read full article: Senate Republicans say House managers failed to meet high burden of proofDemocrats, however, said their GOP colleagues “caved” to outside pressure in voting to acquit and return Ken Paxton to his job as attorney general.
Texas Supreme Court denies Harris County’s request to temporarily block law that would abolish elections office
Read full article: Texas Supreme Court denies Harris County’s request to temporarily block law that would abolish elections officeThe Texas Supreme Court denied Harris County’s request to temporarily block the implementation of Senate Bill 1750 on Sept. 1, which will abolish the Harris County Election Administrator’s Office, the Harris County Attorney’s Office said on Tuesday.
Watch live: Gov. Greg Abbott to sign historic property tax cut in New Caney
Read full article: Watch live: Gov. Greg Abbott to sign historic property tax cut in New CaneyGov. Greg Abbott will ceremonially sign the largest property tax in Texas history, which was passed during Special Session #2 of the 88th Texas Legislature on Wednesday in New Caney.
The average home is valued at $330K. See breakdown of how much Texas’ property tax cut plan could benefit homeowners
Read full article: The average home is valued at $330K. See breakdown of how much Texas’ property tax cut plan could benefit homeownersIf you talk to homeowners about property taxes right now in Texas, almost everyone will tell you they’re way too high.
Property tax cuts hit the fast track as Texas Senate advances long-awaited agreement
Read full article: Property tax cuts hit the fast track as Texas Senate advances long-awaited agreementThe package could land on Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk by the end of the week. Voters must pass the plan in a constitutional election in November for it to take effect in the 2023 tax year.
Harris County sues Texas over legislation abolishing elections administrator position
Read full article: Harris County sues Texas over legislation abolishing elections administrator positionHarris County sued Texas over legislation that abolishes the county’s elections administrator position, Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee announced Thursday.
With second special session underway, Texas lawmakers offer opening property tax-cut proposals
Read full article: With second special session underway, Texas lawmakers offer opening property tax-cut proposalsA stalemate among Texas’ top Republicans has dragged on for months. Tax-cut proponents in the House and Senate made their first pitches to end the impasse Wednesday.
Gov. Greg Abbott threatens string of vetoes if lawmakers can’t agree on property tax cuts
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott threatens string of vetoes if lawmakers can’t agree on property tax cutsWith several hundred bills awaiting action by the governor, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called the veto threat an affront to Texans and the legislative process.
Following Uvalde mass shooting, lawmakers say truancy laws need a reset
Read full article: Following Uvalde mass shooting, lawmakers say truancy laws need a resetA bill filed by State Sen. Paul Bettencourt would help bring consistency to how truancy is handled by school districts across the state. After passing the Senate 30-1, Senate Bill 1630 was recently voted out of a House committee and is now headed to a vote in the House.
Ask Amy show notes: Property tax relief bills
Read full article: Ask Amy show notes: Property tax relief billsState Senators have proposed three bills that, if passed, could lower property tax bills this year. Senator Paul Bettencourt joins Amy Davis to explain the bills and what they could mean for people in Texas.
To tackle high housing costs, Texas lawmakers push to build more homes
Read full article: To tackle high housing costs, Texas lawmakers push to build more homesHousing advocates, builders and real estate experts agree that the state simply isn’t building enough homes to keep up with its booming population and economic growth.
The Texas House and Senate differ on how to cut property taxes. Here’s what their proposals say.
Read full article: The Texas House and Senate differ on how to cut property taxes. Here’s what their proposals say.Cuts to school property tax bills. Bigger tax benefits for homeowners. A controversial idea to limit property tax growth. Here’s what you need to know about the brewing property tax debate at the Texas Legislature.
Texas House’s property tax bill calls for $17 billion in cuts, tighter appraisal cap
Read full article: Texas House’s property tax bill calls for $17 billion in cuts, tighter appraisal capTexas House Speaker Dade Phelan’s proposal reveals the different roads the Texas House and Senate want to take on property taxes — and the fight that might emerge between the two chambers this session.
Texas senators seem open to major change in state’s public education funding formula
Read full article: Texas senators seem open to major change in state’s public education funding formulaSenators in the finance committee asked questions Monday about the pros and cons of basing the amount of money that schools get per student on enrollment instead of attendance. Districts say the change could mean millions in additional funding.
Texas Senate leaders signal intent to spend big on border security
Read full article: Texas Senate leaders signal intent to spend big on border securityThe state has spent $4 billion on border initiatives in the past two years, including $40 million to bus migrants out of Texas into Democrat-led cities.
Two years after Texas’ voting rights showdown gripped the nation, lawmakers again push dozens of elections bills
Read full article: Two years after Texas’ voting rights showdown gripped the nation, lawmakers again push dozens of elections billsState policymakers have mapped out familiar territory early in the legislative session, with Democrats seeking to expand voting access and Republicans pledging to make elections more secure.
After Uvalde massacre, state lawmaker eyeing how schools address truancy
Read full article: After Uvalde massacre, state lawmaker eyeing how schools address truancyThe Robb Elementary School shooter had hundreds of unexcused absences, and a House investigative report noted it was unclear whether any attempts were made by the school district to find out what was happening in the teen’s life before he was involuntarily withdrawn.
Sen. Bettencourt files SB 465 to hold criminals targeting catalytic converters accountable
Read full article: Sen. Bettencourt files SB 465 to hold criminals targeting catalytic converters accountableSen. Paul Bettencourt has filed a bill in response to the recent spike in catalytic converter theft insurance claims in Texas, according to a release.
Property tax revision, judicial branch expansion among new Texas laws that took effect Jan. 1
Read full article: Property tax revision, judicial branch expansion among new Texas laws that took effect Jan. 1While the Legislature will soon start its new session, some laws passed in 2021 are just now taking effect.
Gov. Greg Abbott calls for investigation into election problems; Harris County GOP files lawsuit against county and Elections Administrator
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott calls for investigation into election problems; Harris County GOP files lawsuit against county and Elections AdministratorGov. Greg Abbott announced that he has called for an investigation into the widespread election problems in Harris County on Nov. 8.
Harris County GOP says Harris County Elections Administrator should issue ‘apology’ after Election Day problems
Read full article: Harris County GOP says Harris County Elections Administrator should issue ‘apology’ after Election Day problemsMembers of the Harris County Republican Party held a news conference on Thursday to discuss the problems that occurred with the Harris County Elections Administrator on Election Day.
Katy ISD calls on voters to approve same tax rate to provide salary increase for teachers; Sen. Bettencourt fires back
Read full article: Katy ISD calls on voters to approve same tax rate to provide salary increase for teachers; Sen. Bettencourt fires backVoters living in the area of Katy Independent School District will soon vote on a tax rate election (TRE.) It would keep the rate the same and the school district says the extra money they gain would help some staffing shortages.
Harris County election officials lay out plan to avoid issues that plagued 2020 general election
Read full article: Harris County election officials lay out plan to avoid issues that plagued 2020 general electionAs we count down to election day in two weeks, and with early voting already underway, Harris County election officials are laying out their plan for avoiding the issues that plagued the 2020 election cycle.
Texas secretary of state’s office issues warning after information for Harris County 2020 election audit was reported missing
Read full article: Texas secretary of state’s office issues warning after information for Harris County 2020 election audit was reported missingAllegations in an elections audit by the Secretary of States office were echoed to KPRC2 by Senator Paul Bettencourt ahead of the upcoming November election.
KPRC 2 Investigates: The gaps in school safety and what educators need to close them
Read full article: KPRC 2 Investigates: The gaps in school safety and what educators need to close themAfter eight students and two teachers were murdered at Santa Fe high school in 2018, state legislators passed more than a dozen laws. None of those laws prevented Uvalde and pressure is mounting for lawmakers to address lingering gaps in school security.
Texas to start fingerprinting car dealers in effort to crack down on fraudulent paper plates
Read full article: Texas to start fingerprinting car dealers in effort to crack down on fraudulent paper platesBeginning September 1, anyone who applies for a car dealer license in Texas must be fingerprinted and go through a thorough background check.
Bettencourt: Uvalde classroom door unlocked during rampage; law enforcement didn’t try to see if it would open
Read full article: Bettencourt: Uvalde classroom door unlocked during rampage; law enforcement didn’t try to see if it would openOn Monday, the state House committee investigating the response to the mass murders at Robb Elementary will hear testimony from responding law enforcement officers. It is the third day of testimony in Uvalde.
Here’s how two Texas constitutional amendments could lower some property taxes
Read full article: Here’s how two Texas constitutional amendments could lower some property taxesThe propositions on the May 7 ballot would lower property taxes by shifting more public school costs to the state. But the measures’ language can be hard to understand.
Harris County GOP calls for independent elections overseer for May elections
Read full article: Harris County GOP calls for independent elections overseer for May electionsThe Harris County Republican party is holding a press conference Wednesday to call for an independent elections overseer following the resignation of Harris County Elections Administrator Isabel Longoria.
Harris County GOP files lawsuit against Harris County Elections Administrator Isabel Longoria over 10,000 vote count discrepancy
Read full article: Harris County GOP files lawsuit against Harris County Elections Administrator Isabel Longoria over 10,000 vote count discrepancyThe Harris County Republican Party announced that it has filed a lawsuit against Harris County Elections Administrator Isabel Longoria during a press conference Monday afternoon.
Harris County GOP officials criticize Isabel Longoria, alleging a failure to properly manage primary election
Read full article: Harris County GOP officials criticize Isabel Longoria, alleging a failure to properly manage primary electionHarris County Republican Party Chairman Cindy Siegel is joining Texas State Senator Paul Bettencourt, HCRP Legal Counsel Steve Mitby and the Party’s Legal Team to discuss the widespread problems and legal action addressing what they claim is a failure of Election Administrator Isabel Longoria to properly manage the primary election.
Live: Harris County Elections officials provide latest updates on results
Read full article: Live: Harris County Elections officials provide latest updates on resultsHarris County election officials won’t have primary election results by the statutory deadline due to damaged ballots, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s office.
What’s being done to keep the lights on this winter?
Read full article: What’s being done to keep the lights on this winter?Ten months ago, millions of homes and businesses were plunged into darkness and more than 100 Texans lost their lives when our power grid failed at the height of a historic winter storm.
Texas voters will decide whether to lower their property tax payments after Legislature completes last-minute Hail Mary
Read full article: Texas voters will decide whether to lower their property tax payments after Legislature completes last-minute Hail MaryIf voters approve the measure next year, it will raise the state’s homestead exemption from $25,000 to $40,000 for school district property taxes, netting the average homeowner about $176 in savings.
Senate approves map cementing GOP dominance in upper chamber, dividing up Tarrant county’s voters of color
Read full article: Senate approves map cementing GOP dominance in upper chamber, dividing up Tarrant county’s voters of colorDemocrats criticized Republicans for “targeting” a North Texas district that had been trending Democratic and for not drawing any new districts where people of color would represent a majority of eligible voters.
With Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s blessing, lawmakers fast-track property tax cut proposal
Read full article: With Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s blessing, lawmakers fast-track property tax cut proposalTax relief for property owners joins a packed to-do list for Texas lawmakers — which includes redistricting, COVID-19 vaccine mandates and a spending plan for $16 billion in federal stimulus dollars.
Texas Senate too late with hastily conjured bill allowing party officials to trigger audits of 2020 election
Read full article: Texas Senate too late with hastily conjured bill allowing party officials to trigger audits of 2020 electionThe bill, approved by the Senate and never considered by the House, would have allowed state and local party chairs to file requests to launch audits, but Republicans say the legislation would not have spawned a debacle akin to the controversial review underway in Arizona.
Local group in new battle with Houston City Hall over meals for homeless
Read full article: Local group in new battle with Houston City Hall over meals for homelessThe Houston Public Library’s Central branch in downtown Houston will reopen soon, but one group has been told they will no longer be welcome there.
Lawmakers briefed on status of Texas’ power grid after conservation alert
Read full article: Lawmakers briefed on status of Texas’ power grid after conservation alertSeveral Texas lawmakers were briefed Wednesday on the status of our state’s power grid. Gov. Greg Abbott also spoke about the recent calls for energy conservation after several power generators went offline for unexpected maintenance.
Gov. Abbott discusses election integrity legislation in Houston, talks about election fraud bill
Read full article: Gov. Abbott discusses election integrity legislation in Houston, talks about election fraud billOfficials discussed election fraud and how they want to prevent it. Abbott has mentioned a number of times, especially during the 2020 election, that election fraud is “very real” and happens in different ways. Abbott did, however, say that former President Barack Obama prosecuted a voter fraud scheme in South Texas where cocaine was used to pay voter harvesters. “Election fraud is unacceptable.”AdA small group carrying signs protested against Senate Bill 7 outside Bettencourt’s office, calling the proposed bill voter suppression. “We should be focused on making voting more accessible and stop trying to create obstacles and distractions with unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud,” Turner said.
Power failure: Texas Senators take ‘first step toward reform’
Read full article: Power failure: Texas Senators take ‘first step toward reform’HOUSTON – After two days and two hearings, Texas state senators and representatives will begin deciding how to reform the embattled Electric Reliability Council of Texas, ERCOT, which manages the flow of electricity across our state. Magness testified ERCOT is asking each of the 185 power plants that went down during the storm to provide specific reasons for the outages. Nye testified his list did include natural gas facilities, but he learned during the storm his list was not the most current. Garland Power and Light COO Tom Hancock told state senators the company invested in a robust winterization effort following the 2011 winter storm that caused similar problems in Texas. Hancock said as a result none of the natural gas facilities in their territory went offline.
Lights may be on, but the suffering isn’t over
Read full article: Lights may be on, but the suffering isn’t overHOUSTON – Texas Senate and House hearings are only the beginning of the investigations into our state’s power grid failures during a blistering winter storm. Ten days after the winter storm blanketed Texas, Anderson still has no water in her Yorkdale neighborhood home in Northwest Houston. Like millions of Texans, Anderson lost power as temperatures dropped, pipes in the ceiling froze and then cracked. Hearings in the House and Senate will start the work to get those answers. We should have taken action then, what prevented that from happening, why did we not take the action?”
5 things for Houstonians to know for Tuesday, Feb. 2
Read full article: 5 things for Houstonians to know for Tuesday, Feb. 2Here are things to know for Tuesday, Feb. 2:1. Legislators have promised to back a so-called “heartbeat bill” that would bar abortions before many women know they are pregnant. Anti-abortion advocates have urged them to challenge the Roe v. Wade decision that established the right to an abortion. Registration for Memorial Hermann COVID-19 vaccine drive-thru clinic in Sugar Land for those 65 and older now openMemorial Hermann has partnered with Fort Bend County to offer a COVID-19 vaccine drive-thru clinic at Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land Wednesday, Feb. 3 to Saturday, Feb. 6. Additionally, the BBB warns that photos of COVID-19 vaccination cards shared on social media can help scammers create phony versions.
Sen. Paul Bettencourt, Crime Stoppers of Houston discuss ‘Caitlynne’s’ bill in honor of woman killed by husband
Read full article: Sen. Paul Bettencourt, Crime Stoppers of Houston discuss ‘Caitlynne’s’ bill in honor of woman killed by husbandHOUSTON – Senator Paul Bettencourt and Crime Stoppers of Houston held a press conference on “Caitlynne’s” bill filing on Personal Recognizance Bonds (PR bonds) Monday. The bill would prevent defendants from release on multiple PR bonds. The press conference started at 10 a.m. at the Crime Stoppers of Houston Building and included several community leaders/officials. “Too many of our citizens have become victims of violent crime by habitual offenders who are continually released back to the community often on multiple PR bonds,” said Crime Stoppers of Houston CEO Rania Mankarious. According to Andy Kahan with Crime Stoppers, since 2018, 90 victims have been killed in Harris County by defendants released on various PR and low-dollar felony bonds.
State senator files bill calling for legal action in connection with secret art collection inside Harris County shed
Read full article: State senator files bill calling for legal action in connection with secret art collection inside Harris County shedFriday’s announcement of proposed Senate Bill 252 comes after Channel 2 Investigates first exposed secret massive art collection being warehoused on the taxpayers’ dime, “Legally what this bill means is that I don’t think that what Precinct One Commissioner is doing is legal. I don’t think you can take a private Art collection, house it, spend public money, do private tours, I don’t think that is the right thing under the Texas Code,” said Bettencourt. The state senator out of District 7 doesn’t believe the actions taken by Ellis and his office is legal. Bettencourt said this bill is to ensure accountability at the state level if the Ogg’s office does nothing. Bettencourt indicated he cannot speak to federal operations, but he can speak to the state and its laws.
42% of HISD students failing one or more classes amid COVID-19 pandemic
Read full article: 42% of HISD students failing one or more classes amid COVID-19 pandemicStudents in the Houston Independent School District -- the state’s largest school system -- are struggling academically and struggling far more than normal. It’s survival mode.”In a statement to KPRC 2, HISD confirmed that 42% of their students failed one or more classes in the first grading period of the fall, which was six weeks long. That grading period was nine weeks long and all in-person instruction. “Additionally, to support students who are facing academic challenges, interventions are in place during the school day. Also, high school students can attend virtual online classes for credit recovery.”Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a known critic of the school board, believes any solution needs to be hyper-focused on the students.
Harris County toll roads generate hundreds of millions a year. Hidalgo, commissioners changed how money will be used
Read full article: Harris County toll roads generate hundreds of millions a year. Hidalgo, commissioners changed how money will be usedHOUSTON – The Harris County’s toll road system is described as one of the best and most financially successful urban toll road systems in the country. The system, which includes the Sam Houston Tollway, Hardy Toll Road, Westpark Tollway, Tomball Tollway, and Katy Freeway Toll Lanes, covers 128 miles across the county. In 1983, Harris County voters approved the Hardy and Sam Houston toll roads with the intent that the toll money would be used for expansion, maintenance, and improvements. But last month, Judge Lina Hidalgo, along with County Commissioners Rodney Ellis and Adrian Garcia, passed a new measure from the Harris County Toll Road Authority, or HCTRA, to create a publicly funded corporation to fund the system. “Our tolls should be spent on the people of Harris County,” Hidalgo said.
Nearly 200 miles away from the eye of Laura, Houston area residents face hours of power loss
Read full article: Nearly 200 miles away from the eye of Laura, Houston area residents face hours of power lossHOUSTON As Anthony Campbell puts it: Power runs a long way.Thursday night, parts of The Woodlands and Conroe, found out this truth the hard way. The loss of power the result Hurricane Lauras powerful landfall 200 miles away in Cameron, Louisiana, two nights ago. Man, I was really surprised, said Campbell in regards to the devastation in Louisiana linked to power outages in Montgomery and Galveston counties. In order to avoid losing the whole grid for the region, they redirected power away, which produced the blackouts in Texas. Entergy reported back at normal operations by Friday afternoon, with less than 200 customers in Conroe and The Woodlands still experiencing issues.
Property owners demand relief from property tax appraisals
Read full article: Property owners demand relief from property tax appraisalsNow, some homeowners are calling on the Harris County Appraisal District to cut taxpayers some slack. Taxpayers’ plea for relief“Here’s your stimulus check for $1,200; and here’s your bill for $4,000 for your property tax,” quipped retired southwest Houston homeowner Ed Hobson. “We have to follow the state tax code.”Barnett said the tax code requires that properties in Harris County be appraised on Jan. 1 of every year. Rather than changing the tax code and laws, he said taxing and other government agencies will have to be flexible. What you can do if your property appraisal increasedLike every year, you can protest your appraisal online using iSettle or iFile.
New statewide ‘Do Not Hire Registry’ shows teachers who’ve had inappropriate relationships with students
Read full article: New statewide ‘Do Not Hire Registry’ shows teachers who’ve had inappropriate relationships with studentsSchools across the state now have access to a list of teachers who have crossed the line with students in the past. The Texas Education Agency rolled out the ‘Do Not Hire Registry’ this week which serves as a database for employers. Also, it created a registry of individuals who are not eligible for hire in a Texas public school based on misconduct or criminal history. In 2017 the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 7 which addressed inappropriate teacher student relationships and added more penalties. This piece of legislation, Senate Bill 1256 was amended to Senate Bill 3 and cost about $1.7 million.