Editor’s Note: We’re pleased to welcome David Billings as a regular columnist with the Rockwall Times. His new column, “Civic Insights,” will provide grounded, reader-friendly analysis on local government and economics. His first column takes a close look at the Texas Legislature’s Special Session 2.
Texas Legislature Special Session 2 is well underway
The second special session is focused on the agenda from the first special session, which was halted when Democrats broke the House quorum. Initially, the legislature prioritized House Bill 4, the congressional redistricting bill. The bill passed along party lines and is now headed to Governor Abbott for his highly anticipated signature. Once Governor Abbott signs it, the new congressional map will take effect 91 days after the second session concludes.
For our county, this means we will be included in the new Congressional District 32, which stretches deep into East Texas, reaching near the Louisiana border, while also covering the eastern portion of Dallas.
Property Tax Relief and Spending Limits
Lawmakers are also targeting property tax relief by introducing spending caps with bills like House Bill 46 and House Bill 73 aiming to reduce local government spending. These bill scalls for expenditures to be limited to population growth rate plus CPI inflation.
Expenditure Cap = Prior Year Expenditures × (1 + (PGR) + (IR))
- (PGR) Population Growth Rate
- IR) Inflation Rate
A two-thirds supermajority and a public hearing would be required to override the spending cap.
For cities and counties, the VATR is typically set to allow up to a 3.5% increase in revenue from existing homestead properties compared to the previous year. This increase allows faster growing cities to fund the core functions of government and keeps a low city tax rate.
Senate Bill 10 lowers the VATR multiplier from 3.5% to 1% for every city in the state; and allows for a positive public safety adjustment to the VAR. However, that adjustment only applies to cities with populations over 75,000.
For local government, it will raise less revenue from existing homestead property appraisal growth, limit the ability of local government to fix roads, fully fund our public safety heroes, and hurts well run conversative cities.
Water Impact Fees and Bond Restrictions
The ability of cities to impose impact fees is once again under scrutiny. House Bill 13 proposes credits for developers who incorporate water conservation and reuse into their projects. Meanwhile, House Bill 85 would impose stricter requirements on bond approvals, including a 67% voter threshold and House Bill 107 a two-year waiting period after a failed bond election.
Flooding Response and Emergency Preparedness
In the wake of the devastating July 4 floods, the Governor’s call includes several flood-related items. House Bill 1, House Bill 2, House Bill 3, House Bill 5, and House Bill 22 all address flood relief, and disaster preparedness
What’s Missing from the Legislative Agenda
While the special session addresses several pressing issues, two major concerns are notably absent from the special session agenda:
Stormwater Runoff and Floodplain Development
A good bill that starts to address stormwater runoff is House Bill 117, which would regulate impervious cover in the unincorporated area of the county.
Municipal Utility District (MUD) Oversight
Despite mounting concerns and outcries from cities, lawmakers have not proposed legislation to cap costs or reform the financial practices of Municipal Utility Districts. MUDs still operate with minimal oversight—issuing secondary debt without voter approval and charging substantial administrative fees. There is currently no means of enforcement for MUDs to reimburse cities and counties for the actual cost of infrastructure and services, effectively shifting the financial burden to local taxpayers. Resistance from development and building interests has stalled meaningful reform, leaving municipalities with few tools to ensure accountability.
What’s Next?
With over 344 bills already filed and only 1 bill passed, Rockwall officials and citizens are watching closely. The proposed legislation will limit the city’s financial flexibility, restrict infrastructure funding, and shift more local decision-to the state. Speaker Burrows stated that he intends for the House to move quickly and finish their business by Labor Day.
Stay tuned to Rockwall Times for updates as the session unfolds.
Retired Mayor David Billings
For Fate and Freedom
About the Author
David Billings, retired Mayor of Fate, has served the community for over a decade. A longtime business leader in the telecommunication industry, Navy veteran, and resident of Rockwall County, he brings both professional and civic experience to his writing on government, budgeting, and local economics. He is a graduate of Leadership Rockwall, North Texas Commission Leadership Program, active in several Rockwall County non-profits boards, and the American Legion.
He is passionate about civic involvement in local government, maintaining transparent governance and thoughtful strategic planning to preserve a bright future for the regions.
