Five big moves from the Lege in 2025

The Texas Legislature made a host of major decisions in 2025, as The Dallas Morning News reported. Here are the highlights:

• Homeowners received a break on their property taxes after approving a proposed constitutional amendment in November. The homestead exemption was increased to $140,000 from $100,000. People 65 and older were given an additional $60,000 exemption on top of that.
• A major public school funding bill was passed, pumping $8.5 billion into raises for teachers and support staff and additional operational funding. Lawmakers also approved a statewide school voucher plan with $1 billion in initial funding. Eligible families can use public funds for private schools.
• The Texas Lottery Commission was abolished, with oversight moved to the Department of Licensing and Regulation. Online ticket sales were banned, as were courier services.
• After devastating floods in the Hill Country, especially along the Guadalupe River, killed at least 135 people, lawmakers approved funding to strengthen flood warning systems, expand river and rainfall gauges, and speed updates to flood-risk mapping.

WARM, DRY HOLIDAY WEATHER ELEVATES WILDFIRE RISK