Latest news with #SenateBill4
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
No Texas cities on Department of Homeland Security sanctuary city list
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Thursday, the US Department of Homeland Security released a comprehensive list of jurisdictions it believes are defying federal immigration law. 'Designation of a sanctuary jurisdiction is based on the evaluation of numerous factors, including self-identification as a sanctuary jurisdiction, noncompliance with Federal law enforcement in enforcing immigration laws, restrictions on information sharing, and legal protections for illegal aliens,' a DHS spokesperson said. According to DHS, each of the cities or counties listed will get a notification from the federal government of its non-compliance. Austin City Council passes resolution countering stalled state immigration law 'DHS demands that these jurisdictions immediately review and revise their policies to align with Federal immigration laws and renew their obligation to protect American citizens, not dangerous illegal aliens,' the agency said. There are no Texas cities on the list, though DHS told KXAN the list 'is actively reviewed, will be regularly updated, and can be changed at any time.' The Trump administration has previously indicated cities not complying with federal immigration law may be passed over for funding opportunities. For example, the secretary of the Department of Transportation released a memo earlier this year indicating cities that require compliance with immigration enforcement will be prioritized for federal transportation funding opportunities. 'President Trump and Secretary Noem have been clear: sanctuary jurisdictions should immediately cease violation of Federal law and cooperate with law enforcement,' a DHS spokesperson said after KXAN reached out asking about penalties associated with making the list. Earlier this year, Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into the city of Dallas and the Dallas Police Department over possible sanctuary city policies, according to a release from the AG in March. 'The law is not optional. Local governments do not have the authority to disregard state and federal immigration laws,' said Attorney General Paxton at the time. Texas lawmakers effectively banned sanctuary cities in 2017 through Senate Bill 4. That now-law prohibits any local policy that would interfere with state or federal immigration enforcement. The city of Austin initially fought against it, passing 'freedom city' resolutions that identified legal loopholes in SB 4. For example, while state law allows officers to question someone on their immigration status, the city instructed police to inform people of their right not to answer that question, NBC News reported. Inside Austin's Agenda: City Council Member Mike Siegel Since then, state lawmakers have also passed a bill that allows local law enforcement to arrest people they believe are in the U.S. illegally. That one came in 2023 and has been tied up in federal court since. Just like the previous council, Austin addressed that one with a resolution as well. 'We really want our police officers focused on investigating violent crime. That's where their time and resources should be spent. Not carrying out this policy that we know leads to racial profiling, that will separate families and could potentially lead to deportations,' Austin City Council Member Vanessa Fuentes (she is now the mayor pro tem) said after that resolution passed. After Trump immigration order, ICE 'force multiplier' agreements with Texas police surge But between state and federal rules, the city of Austin — and other Texas cities — are largely restricted on what more they can do in broad brush strokes. That is, if the don't want to lose massive chunks of funding or face legal penalties. 'So that's where you can't, quote, unquote, be a sanctuary city. You know, we can't use our police officers to disrupt ICE enforcement, things of that nature. Or, you know, frankly, our chief of police could lose her law enforcement license. We could have funding taken away from our city,' Austin City Council Member Mike Siegel said. 'And so that's kind of the balance, you know, SB 4 and other state legislative efforts that constrain our local control. We have to stay within those parameters and still do as much as we can.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
More Property Tax Relief Coming For Texans
Texas lawmakers have approved a substantial package of property tax cuts for homeowners and businesses, sending the measures to Governor Greg Abbott and placing the final decision in the hands of voters this November. The bills increase homestead exemptions and expand business tax relief. Newsweek contacted Abbott for comment on Friday outside of regular office hours. The move reflects mounting political and economic pressure to address rising property taxes, which fund Texas schools and local governments but have strained homeowners as property values have surged. The expanded relief plan comes amid a broader national debate, as Republican-led states consider sweeping reductions or even elimination of property taxes, raising critical questions about funding for public services and state budgets. The property tax cuts were approved by the Texas Senate on Thursday having already been approved by the House. Senate Bill 4 proposes raising the homestead exemption—the value of a primary residence shielded from local school taxes—from $100,000 to $140,000 for most homeowners. Separately under Senate Bill 23 seniors and individuals with disabilities would see this exemption rise to $200,000, meaning homeowners with values at or below this threshold will pay no school property taxes. In a separate measure expanded exemptions for business-owned properties are also included, lifting the threshold from $2,500 to $125,000. This measure substantially reduces taxable value on business inventory and equipment. However to pass into law the bills must be approved by Abbott and by Texas voters in November. To fund both new and existing relief, Texas will spend an estimated $51 billion over the next two years, representing roughly one-quarter of the state's overall budget according to the Houston Chronicle. The state must reimburse school districts for lost local revenue, while cities and counties may seek to mitigate lost income by adjusting tax rates or budgets. Some lawmakers, citing concerns about future economic downturns, have questioned the long-term sustainability of the growing financial commitment. None of the proposals advancing to the ballot provide direct tax relief for renters—about 12 million people in Texas, many of whom are considered cost-burdened, meaning they spent at least 30 percent of their income on rent and utilities. Texas is not alone in this push. States including Florida, Illinois, Kansas, and Pennsylvania are debating plans to eliminate property tax entirely, with varying approaches and uncertain futures. The campaign responds to rising home values and the financial pressure they impose, particularly on older Americans. However, some experts caution that eliminating or sharply reducing property taxes could compromise essential funding for education, healthcare, and disaster response. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, at a press conference, said, "That's $1 of every $4 in the state budget," describing the Senate's commitment to Texas homeowners. State Senator Paul Bettencourt, the bill's author, said, "There's no doubt in my mind that we can maintain our constitutional obligation for these homestead exemptions." State Senator Nathan Johnson, a Dallas Democrat, said, "And a millionaire retiree is getting a $500 extra tax break, and you as a renter are getting nothing," as the sole vote against the homestead exemption for seniors, calling the policy "fiscally reckless." Abbott is expected to sign the new measures. Texas voters will decide on the expanded exemptions at the polls in November. If approved, new exemptions will take effect for the next tax year. Related Articles Texas Sex Offender On The Run After Escaping Psychiatric HospitalMap Shows Which States Lost Most Tax Money After Recent Population ShiftsHow to Watch Texas vs Florida: Live Stream Women's College Softball World Series, TV ChannelMap Shows States With Most Furry Conventions 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
More Property Tax Relief Coming For Texans
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Texas lawmakers have approved a substantial package of property tax cuts for homeowners and businesses, sending the measures to Governor Greg Abbott and placing the final decision in the hands of voters this November. The bills increase homestead exemptions and expand business tax relief. Newsweek contacted Abbott for comment on Friday outside of regular office hours. Why It Matters The move reflects mounting political and economic pressure to address rising property taxes, which fund Texas schools and local governments but have strained homeowners as property values have surged. The expanded relief plan comes amid a broader national debate, as Republican-led states consider sweeping reductions or even elimination of property taxes, raising critical questions about funding for public services and state budgets. What's in the New Texas Property Tax Bill? The property tax cuts were approved by the Texas Senate on Thursday having already been approved by the House. Senate Bill 4 proposes raising the homestead exemption—the value of a primary residence shielded from local school taxes—from $100,000 to $140,000 for most homeowners. Separately under Senate Bill 23 seniors and individuals with disabilities would see this exemption rise to $200,000, meaning homeowners with values at or below this threshold will pay no school property taxes. In a separate measure expanded exemptions for business-owned properties are also included, lifting the threshold from $2,500 to $125,000. This measure substantially reduces taxable value on business inventory and equipment. However to pass into law the bills must be approved by Abbott and by Texas voters in November. A Luxury mansion pictured in River Oaks, Houston, Texas in 2023. A Luxury mansion pictured in River Oaks, Houston, Texas in 2023. Artistic Operations/GETTY State Spending and Fiscal Concerns To fund both new and existing relief, Texas will spend an estimated $51 billion over the next two years, representing roughly one-quarter of the state's overall budget according to the Houston Chronicle. The state must reimburse school districts for lost local revenue, while cities and counties may seek to mitigate lost income by adjusting tax rates or budgets. Some lawmakers, citing concerns about future economic downturns, have questioned the long-term sustainability of the growing financial commitment. No Direct Relief for Renters None of the proposals advancing to the ballot provide direct tax relief for renters—about 12 million people in Texas, many of whom are considered cost-burdened, meaning they spent at least 30 percent of their income on rent and utilities. The Broader National Movement Texas is not alone in this push. States including Florida, Illinois, Kansas, and Pennsylvania are debating plans to eliminate property tax entirely, with varying approaches and uncertain futures. The campaign responds to rising home values and the financial pressure they impose, particularly on older Americans. However, some experts caution that eliminating or sharply reducing property taxes could compromise essential funding for education, healthcare, and disaster response. What People Are Saying Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, at a press conference, said, "That's $1 of every $4 in the state budget," describing the Senate's commitment to Texas homeowners. State Senator Paul Bettencourt, the bill's author, said, "There's no doubt in my mind that we can maintain our constitutional obligation for these homestead exemptions." State Senator Nathan Johnson, a Dallas Democrat, said, "And a millionaire retiree is getting a $500 extra tax break, and you as a renter are getting nothing," as the sole vote against the homestead exemption for seniors, calling the policy "fiscally reckless." What Happens Next Abbott is expected to sign the new measures. Texas voters will decide on the expanded exemptions at the polls in November. If approved, new exemptions will take effect for the next tax year.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Two bills that could raise homestead tax exemptions head to the governor's desk
TYLER, Texas (KETK)- Two bills raising homestead exemptions are headed to Governor Abbott's desk and to voters this November. 'This is real relief for working families, every Texas homeowner will see their exemption raised dramatically,' State Sen. Carol Alvarado (D), Houston, said. Senate Bill 4 is set to increase the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000 for all Texas homeowners. 'So everybody can get a $40,000 extra exemption,' Smith County Tax Assessor-Collector Gary Barber said. Longtime federal prosecutor named acting U.S. Attorney for Eastern District of Texas Barber explains it could mean more savings for East Texans' property tax bills. 'If you're in Tyler Independent School District and we're using last year's tax rate, see last year's value, a $40,000 increase in the exemption would save you $364 on your tax bill,' Barber said. The rise in the exemption will be applied to the portion of the bill that goes to local school districts. 'This is only for the schools, the ISD portion of the tax bill, but it just increases that exemption given another additional $40,000,' Smith County Appraisal District, chief appraiser, Carol Ncneil said. SB 23 is also up for a signature and an election, it would raise the homestead exemption for the disabled and seniors from $10,000 to $60,000. 'Property owners will see an additional exemption come off for the over 65 as well,' Ncneil said City of Tyler approves ordinance to decrease hazards near airport Local realtor Dee Martin reacts, she believes this will be great for both homeowners and those looking to buy a house. 'That's going to help,' Realtor Dee Martin said. 'It'll enable people to, you know, be able to get into a home maybe that might not be able to otherwise.' While most are supportive of tax relief for homeowners, some lawmakers think they could have done more. 'Because by only increasing exemptions, it actually puts inflationary pressure on property tax rates,' Rep. Brian Harrison (R), Waxahachie, said. Next, the bills will be reviewed by the Texas governor. Voters will be asked in November to approve those amendments. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick criticizes media in push for THC ban
The Brief Lt. Governor Dan Patrick tongue lashes Texas media, claiming they failed to report the danger of THC products. Lt. Gov. Patrick claims the THC industry is mounting a pressure campaign to the reverse the ban. Senate Bill 4, banning most over-the-counter THC products, heads to Gov. Abbottt's desk following legislative approval. TEXAS - Lt. Governor Dan Patrick delivered a public tongue-lashing to the Texas media which he claims has failed to adequately report the hazards associated with potent synthetic marijuana products. The criticism comes after passage of Senate Bill 3 which, if signed by Governor Greg Abbott, will ban most THC products on September 1. RELATED: SB3 sent to Gov. Abbott for approval What they're saying Critics of SB-3 say the ban will bankrupt businesses, eliminate thousands of jobs and drive consumers into the unregulated criminal black market. Patrick rejected those arguments, insisting the THC ban will save lives and protect millions of Texans from a life-time of drug abuse. "This is to save an entire generation from being hooked on drugs. Nothing is more important than stopping a kid from getting ahold of this junk!" said Patrick. To underscore his contention the Lieutenant Governor conducted a "show and tell" session surrounded by Senate colleagues and law enforcement officers. Patrick's display included gummies, lollipops and breakfast cereal laced with high doses of THC. "This is serious business. This is not Dan's folly. This is not Dan's priority. This is to save an entire generation from being hooked on drugs," said Patrick. Patrick says he's speaking out to counter an intense pressure campaign by the $8 billion THC industry aimed at reversing the ban. What's next SB-3 won't become law until the measure is signed by Governor Abbott. Patrick says he's confident in Abbott's judgement. What we don't know Patrick says he's anticipating legal challenges by the THC industry and is uncertain whether those lawsuits will delay implementation or undermine SB 3. The Source FOX 26 political reporter Greg Groogan listened to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's press conference on Wednesday.
