State

Texas emergency officials told the House State Affairs Committee on September 14 that more than 50 incompatible radio systems leave first responders unable to talk to each other during a disaster, and that it takes about 36 hours to align agencies on one communications plan.

The Texas Senate Local Government Committee heard testimony September 1 on the $51 billion budgeted for property tax relief. Average school tax bills fell about $140, but some senators question whether homeowners feel it.

The comptroller’s office wants the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program raised from $1 billion to $2 billion for the 2028-29 biennium. A budget hearing is set for September 9.

Texas officials have revised how world religions and history will be taught in high school, following debate over the portrayal of Islam in the classroom.