Final Inning, Big Plays: Key Legislative Moves That Could Score for Texas Business
As the 89th Texas Legislature rounds third and heads for home, lawmakers are making calls that could redefine the rules of the game for Texas businesses. Here’s what’s in play and why you should care.
Voting Access: A Watchpoint for Employers
Two major election-related bills are in the spotlight:
SB 2328 gives more power to the Attorney General in election oversight, potentially affecting how local disputes are handled.
HB 4271 could reduce countywide voting centers in 10 of our largest metro areas.
Civic-minded companies and chambers are actively pushing back, especially in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio.
The Bottom Line: Your employees’ ability to vote easily impacts workplace morale, civic trust, and the health of our democracy. Changes to voting access in workforce-heavy counties could affect both employee engagement and company reputation.
Budget Breakthroughs: Relief and Reinvestment
Texas lawmakers are finalizing a record-setting $337 billion state budget. And the good news? It’s packed with wins for the business community.
$55B in property tax relief is almost across the finish line — including a homestead exemption boost to $125,000 and compression that could lower rates for small businesses feeling the pressure of rising valuations.
$1.2B in infrastructure upgrades will modernize border ports, boost water systems, and support the electric grid — key for our manufacturing and logistics sectors.
The Bottom Line: Lower taxes and better infrastructure mean lower fixed costs and smoother operations for everyone from retailers to industrial firms.
Workforce Wins: Talent Pipelines Are Expanding
Texas continues to tackle the skilled labor gap and this session delivered meaningful progress:
$200M in workforce training grants are on the table, fostering employer partnerships with high schools and community colleges.
HB 3114 is fast-tracking credentialing for advanced manufacturing and semiconductor jobs.
Public workforce bills are also gaining traction — focusing on pay parity, retention, and educator support.
The Bottom Line: Texas companies are still struggling to hire. These policies help build a stronger local talent pool, which is critical for sectors like energy, tech, defense, and healthcare.
Education: More Alignment with Industry
The session is also reshaping education with business needs in mind:
CTE pilot programs will expand to 35 districts, connecting students directly to in-demand jobs.
STEM and bilingual teachers are in line for pay increases, and school funding will see a bump.
Meanwhile, debates over rolling back DEI offices at public universities could affect inclusive hiring pipelines.
The Bottom Line: The workforce of tomorrow is in Texas classrooms today. Continued investment in CTE and STEM is a win.
Property Taxes: The Final Package
The long-awaited property tax package is expected to pass any day now. It includes:
A $125,000 homestead exemption
New appraisal relief for small businesses
A commission to explore long-term tax reform
The Bottom Line: These changes help reduce your overhead, especially if you own commercial real estate. The savings could free up funds for investment, hiring, or innovation.
What’s Next: Final Votes & Hearings
The Legislature wraps on June 2, and the coming days are critical. Key votes to watch:
Want to stay plugged in? Here are a few key hearings this week:
Tuesday, May 20: School funding and teacher pay (House Public Ed)
Wednesday, May 21: Workforce programs and DEI (House Higher Ed)
Friday, May 23: Final floor votes on business-critical legislation
📍 Mark Your Calendar
May 29 – Governor Abbott’s Small Business Summit – Sugar Land
June 2 – Official End of the 89th Legislative Session
In the News: Big Moves for Texas Business
Eli Lilly is eyeing a $5.9B biomanufacturing facility in Houston — over 600 permanent jobs could be on the way.
International Paper is downsizing in South Texas, shifting jobs to Reynosa.
Trump-era tariffs are squeezing Texas businesses, according to a Fed survey.
Port of Corpus Christi rolled out AI-powered tracking tools to improve logistics.
Austin’s tech growth is cooling — costs and talent migration are top concerns.
Final Word for Texas Business Leaders
This legislative session is a defining moment for our state’s business environment. Property tax reform, education investments, and workforce development could set the stage for long-term growth but shifts in voting access and higher ed policy deserve close attention.
If you’ve been waiting to weigh in, now’s the time. Floor votes are underway, and the decisions made this week will ripple across industries for years to come.
Need help tracking bills or understanding how these changes affect your business? We’re here to support Texas business leaders navigating civic and policy engagement. Let’s connect.