The City of Irving has outlined its legislative priorities for the upcoming 89th State of Texas Legislative Session, focusing on measures that protect local governance, enhance services, and safeguard revenue streams. Among the more than 2,000 bills filed during the 88th Legislative Session, the city identified key areas impacting its ability to serve residents and taxpayers.
Legislative Priorities Include:
- Housing Finance Corporation Tax Exemptions: Amend Chapter 394 of the Local Government Code to require approval from the city or county for tax exemptions on low-income housing projects.
- DART System Reform: Support changes to the governance, taxing structure, and revenue/spending policies of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system.
- Homestead Tax Exemption: Advocate for legislation allowing local governments to increase the homestead property tax exemption beyond the current 20% cap.
- Land Use Authority: Oppose efforts to limit city control over land use and development decisions.
- Community Input Protections: Oppose restrictions on city leaders' testimony and communication during legislative discussions.
- Revenue Stream Control: Protect local control over property taxes, sales taxes, hotel occupancy taxes, and city fees from state interference.
- Local Elections: Maintain the option for nonpartisan City Council elections and other local elections on the May uniform election date.
- Public Safety Decisions: Support city authority over public safety department operations.
- Street Maintenance Tax: Allow residents to vote on a sales tax dedicated to street maintenance and repair.
- Police Tools Update: Amend the Penal Code to permit the use of modern conducted-energy devices, like TASERs, without firearm classification.
- Cemetery Regulations: Amend statutes to require new cemeteries within city limits to operate as perpetual care cemeteries.
Visit CityofIrving.org/Legislative-Insider for more information and to subscribe to email updates.
