Gov. Greg Abbott's top priority, property tax limits, fails as legislators end special session early

AUSTIN — Lawmakers called it quits on Gov. Greg Abbott's special session a day early, without passing his top priority, a bill that would limit how much local property taxes can increase.

Rep. Dennis Bonnen, the Angleton Republican who authored the bill in the House, said negotiations between the House and Senate hadn't gotten anywhere by late Tuesday evening, too late for a final bill to pass before the Wednesday deadline to end the session.

The House adjourned "sine die" early Tuesday evening, officially ending the special session in that chamber, a day before the 30-day limit, leaving the Senate with only the option to agree with the House version of the property tax bill, or let the measure die.

Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, said the House's version of the property tax bill did not provide meaningful relief for homeowners and businesses. And he refused to accept the House bill. He said taxpayers would be furious at legislators' failure.

Read more: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/texas-legislature/2017/08/15/hope-flagging-gov-greg-abbotts-top-priority-special-session-house-adjourns-go-home