This special session has seen a flurry of activities on issues ranging from tax policy to public safety, education, government transparency, and more. As week two of the First Called Session of the 89th Texas Legislature comes to a close, we have compiled a summary of key bills that were voted on or advanced last week.
But first, enough Democrats chose to leave the state to avoid a quorum to have the Texas House operate (100 of the 150 House members must be present to officially conduct business) possible passage of legislation regarding the proposed redistricting bill. This bill seeks to redraw US Congressional districts that could create 5 new Republican congressional seats for Texas. Texas House Democrats naturally do not want to be outnumbered in Congress and chose instead as a form of protest to the Governor to leave the state. This sets the scene for a high drama showdown.
It is reported the Governor could vacate the Democratic House seats thus creating new elections to fill those seats, fine each House member who left $500 per day, per House member, and possible charge them with bribery if they agree to receive funds from their voters to pay for the forgoing fines.
It is a classic and not unheard-of showdown and in the next 24 hours will test the wills and both the Governor and the House Democrats.
SB 9 – Property Tax Relief
This bill proposes significant property tax cuts and spending caps for local taxing entities, which could have long-term implications for local infrastructure and tourism-related public services.
Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness & Flooding
The Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness & Flooding held its most recent hearing on Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas, focusing on the deadly July 4 floods and gathering testimony from local leaders, emergency officials, and residents. Our team will continue to monitor those hearings and will work with committee members regarding any policy issues that affect tourism, local ordinances, and other areas where we believe TACO can be of assistance. We are also working with our partners as well as local officials and legislators as they seek to find remedies regarding the RV parks that were devastated during the flood.
House Committee on Culture, Recreation, and Tourism
Chairman Metcalf and his staff reached out to TACO lobbyists to ask how the flooding had affected tourism and small businesses. He plans to hold a hearing next week to hear from invited witnesses. We are working closely with his staff in preparation for this hearing. If you have been personally impacted by the flooding or have insights you would like us to share, please send us your comments – we would be honored to include them in our testimony. Email TACO CEO / Executive Director Brian Schaeffer at [email protected].
Governor Abbott and Lt. Governor Patrick laid out their respective legislative priorities for the Special Session and most of their priorities are similar. The Senate has filed, to date, 48 bills. This number does not include the Lt. Governor’s priority bills. Those items are listed below. The Texas House of Representatives have filed 226 bills to date. Among the bills is HB 2 which creates a Texas Interoperability Council and grant program that is targeted to flood prone areas.
TACO’s lobby team will be watchful for any HOT (Hotel Occupancy Tax) related bills, especially if there is an attempt to use HOT funds for unintended use. TACO members collect and remit this tax on cabin / cottage rentals. So far, there have been no bills relating to use of HOT.
Renew Your TACO Dues Today!
Your TACO dues have hit the street! Renew your membership in the biggest state campground association in the country. Only TACO members get annual updates to the TACO Legal Handbook, discounts on products and services like music licenses, propane and more plus marketing to hundreds of thousands of RVers coming to Texas! If you’re renewing, use the dues packet you received in the mail and for new members, click here to sign up today. For questions, call Member Benefits Administrator Lisa Rhodes at 682-499-6355 or email her at [email protected].