The Texas Senate has unanimously approved its proposed budget for the 2026-2027 period, allocating $153.5 billion in state revenue and $336 billion combined with federal funds. This marks the second session of Finance Chair and Senator Joan Huffman from Houston leading the budget process. Huffman highlighted the budget’s fiscal conservatism and strategic investments, emphasizing its role in maintaining Texas as a leading economic force. She stated, “This budget goes beyond just being balanced—it is a fiscally conservative plan with strategic investments to ensure Texas remains the nation’s economic powerhouse for years to come.”
The budget plan encompasses significant allocations aimed at property tax reductions, enhancing school safety, and bolstering the Department of Public Safety and border security. It also includes provision for a school choice initiative expected to be passed in the current session and the establishment of a brain health institute focused on dementia research. Should the House approve its budget version, negotiations will ensue to reconcile any disparities between the two budgets.
Meanwhile, the Senate Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Committee forwarded an important water bill. Authored by Senator Charles Perry from Lubbock, the bill proposes allocating $1 billion annually to enhance Texas’s water supply. Senator Perry emphasized the critical need for new water sources to support Texas's increasing population, cautioning against transferring existing water supplies as an ineffective strategy. Perry stated, “We cannot move water from one part of the state to another, robbing Peter to pay Paul...we have to develop new sources and not deplete the existing resources any more than we already have.”
Additionally, the Senate State Affairs Committee reviewed a bill clarifying health exceptions in the state's abortion ban. Authored by Senator Bryan Hughes of Mineola, the bill aims to alleviate confusion surrounding legal risks faced by healthcare providers, ensuring care for mothers in medical danger. Hughes explained, “The intent of this bill is to remove any excuse: when a mom is in danger…that’s always been an exception that we’ve recognized.”
Moreover, Hughes presented SB 1880, proposing a civil action against websites selling abortion-inducing drugs. Despite the prohibition of medically-induced abortions in Texas, Hughes noted an influx of such medications into the state. The bill allows legal action against sites facilitating these transactions while exempting women who procure or use the drugs. Hughes remarked, “Nothing in this bill provides any lawsuit, or claim, or any harm to a mom.”
