Austin, Texas – Texas legislators began the 2027 legislative cycle early on Nov. 9, filing more than 1,000 bills they hope the Capitol will consider when the 90th session officially opens on Jan. 12. The flurry of proposals reflects the new partisan balance: Democrats now control the statewide executive offices and the House, while Republicans retain a majority in the Senate.
Medicaid expansion to cover 1.4 million Texans
State Rep. John Bucy (D‑Austin) led the first filings with a bill directing the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to expand Medicaid eligibility. The plan would draw on federal matching funds to provide coverage for an additional 1.4 million low‑income Texans. Bucy said, “As we head into the 90th legislative session, we have an incredible opportunity to turn the priorities Texans voted for into real progress.” The proposal aims to reduce the uninsured rate and ease the financial strain on hospitals across the state.
Data‑center oversight and utility costs
Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D‑Laredo) introduced the first Senate bills targeting the booming data‑center industry. Her measures would give counties greater authority to regulate data‑center siting, require developers to obtain permits from the Public Utility Commission, and prohibit projects that would raise electricity costs for Texas residents. Currently, permits for projects of at least one acre—including data centers—are handled by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, a process that continued even after Gov. Greg Abbott ordered a temporary pause.
A bipartisan Senate proposal to strip state tax incentives from data‑center operators has already secured the backing of 23 of the 31 senators and senators‑elect, signaling broad concern about the industry’s impact on the power grid and local communities.
Gambling reforms and lottery changes
Sen. Bob Hall (R‑Edgewood) filed a bill to end the state lottery, echoing a similar effort that failed in the previous session. Hall also introduced legislation that would dissolve the Texas Lottery Commission, moving lottery operations to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and limiting the number of tickets an individual can purchase at one time.
In addition, a bipartisan amendment to the Constitution would give the legislature authority to legalize and regulate casino gambling and sports betting, a move that could generate new revenue streams while providing consumer protections.
Other notable proposals
Democratic lawmakers also filed measures to repeal several Republican‑era policies, including local immigration‑enforcement agreements, the state’s education‑savings‑account program, bans on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at public universities, and a requirement that public schools display donated Ten Commandments posters.
Constitutional amendment proposals on the table include establishing an independent redistricting commission, prohibiting local governments from levying property taxes, creating term limits for elected officials and state employees, extending the legislative calendar, and allowing a two‑thirds majority of lawmakers to call a special session without the governor’s involvement.
Legislative context
During the 89th regular session in 2025, Texas lawmakers filed over 8,700 bills, with roughly 1,200 becoming law. So far, legislators have submitted at least 57 constitutional amendment proposals for the upcoming session. Any amendment must receive two‑thirds support in both chambers before appearing on the ballot in the November election following the session.
The upcoming session will test the new partisan dynamics, as Democrats seek to advance their agenda while Republicans maintain control of the Senate. Both chambers must approve bills before they can be signed by Gov. Greg Abbott.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Frisco — read the source article.
