AUSTIN, Texas — Thursday was supposed to be a big day at the Texas Capitol. The House of Representatives was set to debate House Bill 2 (HB2), a bill designed to slow the growth of property taxes for homeowners, but that didn't happen.
In early February, Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker of the House Dennis Bonnen called a joint press conference to say they wanted a bill passed to reduce the rate all taxing entities, including cities, counties and schools, that can increase property taxes without voter approval from 8% to 2.5%. That rate is called the rollback rate. They went on to applaud lawmakers who filed identical bills in both chambers.
On Thursday morning, members of the House were seemingly ready for a long debate on their version of that bill, HB2. Members desks were covered with a thick packet of the 180 amendments that were pre-filed on the bill.
Then, a curveball.
There was talk that the Senate planned to take up its version of the bill, Senate Bill 2 (SB2), Thursday as well.
Both chambers recessed, leaving empty desks and questions swirling, as various senators, representatives and even the governor met behind closed doors.
"It seems that the Senate wasn't ready to get their act together and get that bill passed to us so we were ready to go," said Austin Representative Eddie Rodriguez (D).
"We've done our job, as a House, on House Bills 1 and 3. I don't think it's too much to ask for the Senate to do their job and send us over whatever their version of House Bill 2's going to be," he added.
The Senate seemingly hasn't voted on SB2 because there aren't enough votes to get it passed. SB2 was voted out of committee back in February but the Democrats and Republican Kel Seliger (Amarillo) oppose it, saying the bill could hurt the ability of cities, counties and schools to fund critical services.
Thursday afternoon, Bonnen said the chambers are working together on this and lawmakers will try to reach a consensus over the weekend. He said the House plans to take up its version of the bill Monday.
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