Shannon Halbrook argues against Senate Bill 2010 at Texas Senate Committee hearing

In a recent meeting of the Texas Senate Committee on Local Government, significant discussions centered around two key pieces of legislation: Senate Bill 2010 and Senate Bill 2068, both of which have direct implications for Texas residents.

Senate Bill 2010 faced opposition from Shannon Halbrook, a representative from Every Texan, who argued against the bill's provisions. Halbrook emphasized the need for guaranteed income programs to support Texans facing economic hardship. She highlighted alarming statistics, noting that half of renters in Texas are burdened by housing costs, and the state has the highest uninsured rate in the nation. Halbrook advocated for a safety net that could help alleviate these issues, suggesting that guaranteed income could provide temporary relief and promote economic mobility for struggling families.

The committee also discussed Senate Bill 2068, which aims to protect the personal information of children associated with property tax exemption applications. Senator Bettencourt introduced the bill, which would make names, ages, and addresses of children confidential, addressing concerns raised by the public about the vulnerability of this demographic. Roland Altinger, chief appraiser for the Harris Central Appraisal District, supported the bill, stating it would allow appraisal districts to safeguard sensitive information, similar to existing protections for Social Security numbers.

Additionally, Senate Bill 1920 was introduced to clarify tax exemptions for abandoned cemeteries, ensuring that properties used for human burial are not subject to foreclosure. This bill aims to streamline the process for granting tax exemptions, even when no application has been submitted, if the property is identifiable as a cemetery.

As these bills progress, they reflect ongoing efforts by Texas lawmakers to address pressing community issues, from economic security to the protection of vulnerable populations. The committee's discussions underscore the importance of legislative action in shaping the lives of Texans and ensuring that essential services and protections are in place for all residents.