Hill Country News 3160
Texas House and Senate Strike Property Tax Deal on Homestead, Business Exemptions
A repeat of the property tax feud of 2023 looks unlikely as the two chambers of the Texas Legislature have struck a deal on homestead and business property taxes well in advance of “sine die,” the last day of the legislative session, on June 2. State Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) announced in the Senate Local
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Faces Political Crosswind Over Chronic Wasting Disease Rules
Few government agencies in Texas carry a title that evokes as much goodwill as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) — conjuring images of sprawling state parks, cherished outdoor traditions, and a hunting and fishing industry deeply woven into the state’s culture. But for a growing number of ranchers and rural landowners, that once-sterling
Drama on the Agenda for Harley-Davidson’s May 14 annual shareholders meeting
The latest drama began with Harley-Davidson CEO Jochen Zeitz’s announcement of retirement on April 9, 2025. He has occupied the position since 2020. Zeitz stated at the time that he intends to stay on board until a replacement is found. Since then, shareholder H Partners Management has come forth to say that they want Zeitz
Choosing the Best Jig Head for the Job
We anglers certainly overthink things at times, and choosing jig heads to match up with swimbaits and paddletails might be an example. After all, we all know that most fishing tackle is designed to catch the fisherman, not the fish. And while in some cases it may not matter one iota, in others, having the
Five Tips for Catching More Sheepshead
The sheepshead is among the tastiest fish around, they fight great, and in many areas at many times of the year they’re quite plentiful. Added bonus: since they stick so close to structure like rocks and pilings they’re often available to all sorts of anglers, be they on a boat, kayak, or fishing from shore
Texas Legislature Removes ‘Education Exception’ for Pornography, Sexual Performance of a Child
State lawmakers have voted to remove an exception in Texas law that effectively allowed adults to give obscene material to children or elicit the sexual performance of a child if done for “educational” or other purposes. “It’s absolutely ridiculous that I stand before you with these sections of Chapter 43 of the penal code still
House Conservatives Press Leadership for Action on Texas GOP Priorities
A group of conservative members in the Texas House who’ve voiced organized criticism of the status of bill movement in their chamber pushed for advancement of GOP priority legislation in a press conference ahead of the chamber’s first deadline in mid-May. The group of around a dozen legislators held a press conference next to the
Texas House Committee Approves New Version of Senate THC Ban
The potential prohibition on certain consumable hemp products containing THC in Texas has raised significant concerns from lawmakers and the public, and now the Texas House has passed a committee substitute that makes significant changes to the original language of the Senate’s priority bill. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has made “Banning THC in Texas” a
City of Avinger and Camp County Outlaw Abortion in ‘Sanctuary City for the Unborn’ Ordinances
Two more local governments in East Texas have adopted ordinances to outlaw abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, abortion trafficking, and the disposal of fetal remains from abortion within their jurisdictions. The City of Avinger, population 370, passed the ordinance on Monday, April 28 by a vote of 3 to 1. It became the 57th city in Texas
Texas House Passes Phelan Bill Requiring Disclosure of ‘Deepfakes’ in Political Advertising
Legislation requiring the disclosure of altered images in political advertising, and providing for punishments including up to a year in jail, passed the Texas House — spearheaded by the chamber’s former speaker, Rep. Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont). House Bill (HB) 366 passed on third reading on Wednesday by a 102 to 40 vote, with every “nay”
Ban on ‘Traveling’ Housing Finance Corporations, Which Awarded 100 Percent Tax Exemptions, Passes Texas House
The Texas House overwhelmingly passed a limited reform bill that prohibits Housing Finance Corporations (HFC) from awarding 100 percent tax exemptions to properties outside of their jurisdictions, but a bill carrying additional reforms remains pending in the House Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs. Under the Texas Local Government Code, HFCs may grant apartment owners and developers
Texas House Committee Considers Expanding Requirements for Non-Citizens Seeking In-State Tuition
The Texas House Committee on Higher Education considered a bill this week to tighten requirements and expand liabilities for students who are “not a citizen or permanent resident” in the U.S. and are seeking in-state tuition at a Texas university. House Bill (HB) 232, authored by Rep. Cody Vasut (R-Angleton), narrows the eligibility for resident
