Lone Star Ledge Report: Voting, Education and Small Business Growth
Since the 2025 legislative session began, Texas lawmakers have introduced proposals that could shape the future of voting, small business operations, and public education. Here’s what business leaders should know this week:
Voting Access: What’s on the Table
Texas legislators are considering proposals that aim to modernize voting systems—such as allowing online voter registration and expanding acceptable forms of identification.
Other proposals would revise how polling locations are structured.
SB 76 would eliminate the countywide polling place program, requiring voters to cast ballots in their assigned precincts.
SB 2820 seeks to regulate polling place distribution across precincts.
The Bottom Line: Texas employers often support policies that make it easier for employees to participate in elections without disrupting work schedules. Changes to voting procedures can influence voter turnout and civic engagement in communities statewide.
Business Legislation: Proposed Reforms to Operations and Access
The Governor’s Small Business Freedom Council has issued recommendations, including reducing regulations, improving access to capital, and streamlining government processes.
The Bottom Line: These proposals aim to lower barriers for entrepreneurs and small businesses, potentially boosting efficiency, cutting costs, and enabling reinvestment into jobs and growth.
Education Policy: Evolving Conversations with Workforce Implications
What’s New:
Education policy continues to be a major focus at the Capitol:
SB 2 would create education savings accounts, enabling families to use public funds toward private school tuition.
HB 2 would increase public school funding by raising the basic allotment per student.
Additional legislation would adjust the scope of diversity-related initiatives in public education.
The Bottom Line: Policy changes in education can influence how future employees are prepared—affecting workforce readiness, skills development, and talent pipelines for Texas businesses.
In Case You Missed It: Top Reads for Texas Leaders
Did You Know?
In Texas, county election officials can choose whether to participate in the Countywide Polling Place Program, which allows registered voters to cast a ballot at any polling location within their county—not just their home precinct.
This program was designed to offer more flexibility, especially in large or fast-growing counties. However, not all counties opt in, and proposed legislation could affect how widely this option remains available in future elections.
Civic takeaway: Understanding where and how employees can vote is an important part of fostering civic participation in the workplace—especially during early voting and on Election Day.
IGC Institute is committed to helping business leaders stay informed, engaged, and equipped to navigate the intersection of policy and economic growth. Follow our blog for weekly legislative highlights and insights.