(Talk1370.com) -- Homeowners over age 65 and those with disabilities could see an increase in their homestead property tax exemption, after the Texas Senate passed an increase Wednesday. That and more in your Morning Headlines.
Senate Passes Homestead Exemption Increase For Seniors: The Texas Senate is looking to cut property taxes again - this time, for the state’s senior citizens. Senators voted 30-1 Wednesday to approve Senate Bill 23, raising the homestead exemption for those 65 or older and those who are disabled by $50,000. Combined with Senate Bill 4, which the upper chamber passed earlier this session, all homeowners could see an increase of $40,000, pushing the total exemption to $140 thousand. State Sen. Paul Bettencourt says the bill will cost about $1.2 billion, and give about 2 million homeowners across the state more than $950 a year in a break on taxes. Both bills still need to pass the House and be approved by voters this November.
Austin ISD Gets Extension On Dobie MS: Austin ISD leaders will have a little more time to figure out a path forward when it comes to Dobie Middle School. The Texas Education Agency has pushed back a deadline for AISD to submit its plan for the future of the campus; now, the district has until June 30, according to superintendent Mattias Segura. That deadline had been next Wednesday. We’re expecting to get a look at the 2022-2023 accountability ratings later today; according to AISD’s own internal calculations, the campus is expected to receive an “F” rating. The accountability ratings for the 2023-24 school year remain tied up in legal challenges, and 2024-25 ratings are expected to be released later this summer, barring further legal challenges.
Abbott Signs DOGE Bill, First Of Lege Session: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has signed his first bill of this legislative session into law. Senate Bill 14 aims to create the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office - what supporters are calling the state’s own version of the federal DOGE effort in the Trump administration. Under the law, the new office will be charged with helping other agencies across state government identify unnecessary and ineffective rules. The bill also codifies the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of the Chevron doctrine, meaning that courts won’t defer to a state agency’s interpretation of laws when it comes to legal challenges on regulations. Opponents of the bill, including some Republicans, call it an expansion of government, with some duplication with the state’s already-existing Sunset Advisory Commission review process.
24/7 Weather Center Forecast: More scattered showers and storms possible Thursday... high of 88. Rain chances ending tomorrow, with a dry weekend ahead... and more rain chances early next week.