Austin

Under the Senate’s tax relief plans, seniors and people with disabilities would save about $950 on their annual property tax bills, according to bill author Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston.

Under Senate Bill 2, which was amended by the House, participating families would be able to use state funds to pay for private school tuition and other educational expenses, such as textbooks or transportation.

House Bill 2 would increase base school funding by $395; overhaul how the state funds special education; and give school districts money for educator certification. The proposal would also direct schools to raise salaries for teachers and other sta…

Senate Bill 32 would exempt up to $25,000 of businesses’ personal property, such as equipment, furniture and vehicles, from taxation. A proposal approved by the Texas House would enact a $250,000 exemption.

The ruling will allow the Texas Education Agency to assign the 2023 ratings more than 1.5 years after they were originally due. A case regarding the 2024 ratings was still in the court system as of April 3.

Senate Bill 34 would create a statewide database of firefighting equipment, increase funding for volunteer fire departments and streamline communication among first responders.