Rockwall Voices Op-Ed
The focus of the session was to craft a conservative state budget that makes strategic investments in infrastructure—such as water systems and state road, pass school choice legislation, increase funding for public schools, address housing affordability, implement bail reform, reduce property taxes, and advance many other state priorities.
The legislature addressed housing affordability by mandating reduced lot sizes, lowering impact fees, authorizing HUD-code manufactured homes, and encouraging mixed-use developments in commercial buildings, among other measures.
I want to address the ongoing shift of the state legislature taking away county and city local decision-making authority is unmistakable.
Record Number of Bills Filed -Lowest Enactment Rate Since 1991
Lawmakers filed 8,719 bills—the highest total in Texas history—yet only 13.9% reached final passage, marking the session’s weakest legislative action in over three decades.
Municipal Priorities: Modest Success
From our team’s 46 critical city-related bills, only 14 (30.4%) cleared both chambers and were sent to the Governor for signature or veto.
Persistent Trend Toward Preemption
The legislature many preemption bills that continue the drive
Of the 14 critical bills passed by the state legislature, Governor Abbott signed 11 bills, vetoed 1 bill, and did not sign 2 bills (they are automatically effective on 9/1/2025).
As we shift our focus to future actions that will preserve the quality of life our citizens have expressed, we should use the approved Rockwall County 2050 Strategic Plan as our guide and ensure through implementation that it reflects the views of all Rockwall County residents.
What was Disappointing in the 89th Session?
One of the biggest disappointments was that the Legislature did not address MUD reform, create county child-safety zones, or strengthen ethics standards for local officials. I also believe House Bill 2715 went too far by granting the Governor authority to suspend or remove elected officials for violating state law.
Looking ahead to the 2026 statewide elections.
Governor Abbott enters the cycle with over $70 million in campaign cash on hand. His path to re-election appears strong and well-funded. Notably, the Governor has reportedly committed to defending any Representative who supports school choice from primary challenges — a clear signal of who he will support.
Too Early? Not Really — The 90th session Priority List is Already Emerging:
• Property tax reform
• Housing affordability
• Border security
• Trade school education
• Public education funding
• (And more…)
The 89th interim session begins when the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the Texas House appoint members to committees to study various issues and develop recommendations for the 90th session. For example, a Senate or House committee may examine housing affordability, solicit testimony, and submit its recommendations to the Lieutenant Governor or the Speaker of the House. Pro-housing groups and lobbyists then leverage those recommendations to draft bills for potential introduction in the 90th legislative session.
This is where deal-making occurs among lobbyists, educational PACs, and state representatives—who forge strategic connections to shape future legislation. Local governments, however, often lack the time, influence in the State Legislature, or technical expertise to craft proposals that will gain easy approval from the Texas Legislative Council.
Lesson One of the 89th Legislative Session:
The steady drumbeat of shifting local control to Austin continues — and shows no signs of slowing. Rep. Pierson and Sen. Hall deserve credit for engaging directly with local citizens on many of these complicated issues. However, let’s not be misled or overly optimistic: 13 bills passed this session that limit the ability of local citizens to make decisions aligned with the values and needs of their communities.
This trend began long before the 89th — stretching back to at least the 86th — and we should expect many of these to be reintroduced in the next session in 2027. Several bills that failed would have increased density while lowering local decision making are:
SB 673 (Accessory Dwelling Units): The original bill would have allowed ADU by right, but the bill was bracketed during the 89th session.
HB 23: This bill would allow the developers to use 3rd parties to perform city functions, such as inspections.
And many more. City tax rate elections and housing affordability bills.
Some good bills that did not pass –
HB 455 – Further property tax reductions for our OV65 citizens.
SB 533 – require all bond elections will be held on the November election cycle.
It is clear the Governor, Lt Governor, and the State Legislature will continue its course and speed to approve mixed use, multifamily housing by right in at least one zoning classification in the 90th session.
Lesson Two: Engagement Matters — Even in Defeat.
We quickly claim victory when our two state representatives “No” votes on bad bills — and we appreciate when our legislators when they stand with our cities.
Even with the “No” votes, ,many bad bills can pass, such as SB 785 – regulation of new HUD-code manufactured housing. But a “No” vote is not always enough. The harder question is: Do we work the legislative with the bill author amend these bills when outright defeat is unlikely?
HB 23 offers a case study — several amendments proposed by Rep. Pierson passed the House, softening the bill’s impact. That’s a meaningful win for the cities.
The bottom line is our County, municipal officials, and citizens must proactively engage our representatives and staff. There is real strength in unity of effort and collaboration. Our local officials can’t afford to sit back, even when our legislators are aligned with us. Many anti-city bills passed easily despite local opposition. Thinking we don’t need a continuous, savvy presence in Austin misunderstands the power dynamics at play — particularly when major statewide PACs and advocacy groups are pushing coordinated agendas.
So, what now?
If we want to preserve local decision-making, we need a stronger, smarter presence in the 90th Session. That means using the Rockwall County 2050 Strategic Plan, building local coalitions, and putting more boots on the ground in Austin to engage early on fast-moving legislation before it gains momentum.
Additionally, we must prepare to engage in the interim committee hearings of the 89th Session, gain a deeper understanding of the Texas State Legislature’s power dynamics, and build broad public support as we move toward the 90th Session that will convene in two years.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this Op-Ed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of The Rockwall Times. We encourage a respectful exchange of perspectives to enrich our community dialogue.
