The 89th Texas Legislature convened this week and presented opportunities for bipartisan collaboration.   
  
The first day of the session was full of procedural and ceremonial activity, where newly elected members took their oaths of office to serve the state and its citizens with their family and close friends in attendance.  
 
Secretary of State Jane Nelson presided over the Texas House of Representatives to start the day and oversaw the House until the legislators elected state Rep. Dustin Burrows from Lubbock as the Speaker of the House. Last week, Secretary Nelson named Walter Fisher and Sharon Carter as the House parliamentarians for the 89th Legislature. Carter has served as House Parliamentarian since 2019 and previously served as both Parliamentarian and Assistant Parliamentarian, while Fisher previously served as Texas Senate Parliamentarian from 1996-2014 and served as Assistant Parliamentarian for the Texas House of Representatives 1981-89.   
 
A similar ceremonial process and procedure occured in the Texas Senate. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick was elected by voters to lead the chamber, and legislators chose state Sen. Brandon Creighton of Conroe as their President Pro Tempore; he will preside over the Texas Senate when the Lt. Governor is not available. 

Real Estate Is on the Menu 

Some of the real estate-related issues state lawmakers are expected to consider this session are:

  • Property tax reform
  • Housing affordability
  • Insurance 
  • Community Infrastructure Investment
  • Property owners associations

Check out the 89th Legislature’s dates of interest.

Texas REALTORS® Legislative Priorities for the 89th Texas Legislature

What happens at the Texas Capitol and in local government affects your business. That’s why Texas REALTORS® follows a wide range of public policy issues to affect the real estate profession and consumers. 

The Texas REALTORS® Executive Board approved the association’s legislative policies for the 89th Texas Legislature. The lobby team will be personally hand-delivering copies to each lawmaker at the Texas Capitol.  

Following months of public policy committee meetings, your answers to the 2024 Public Policy Issues Survey  helped shape Texas REALTORS® adopted positions on legislative issues. 

Mark Your Calendars for REALTOR® Day at the Texas Capitol

On March 26, thousands of REALTORS® will make a difference by heading to Austin to advocate for private property rights and the real estate industry by sharing their knowledge and experience with state lawmakers.  

  • Curious? Take a look at 2023 REALTOR® Day at the Texas Capitol.
  • Visit the RDATC 2025 homepage for more information.
  • Got questions? Check out the FAQ page.
  • Ready to sign up? Contact your association for details. 

2024 Funds Raised by Texas REALTORS® Political Action Committee (TREPAC)

  • $6.5M total raised in 2024
  • 37% participation of all members of Texas REALTORS®
  • 1,254 of supporters gave and reached the major investors designation.

89th Legislature Biennial Revenue Estimate

On Jan. 13, State Comptroller Glen Hegar presented the 89th Texas Legislature Biennial Revenue Estimate. It is projected that Texas will have $194.6 billion in general revenue for the 2026-2027 bienniem. At the beginning of each regular session of the Texas Legislature, the Texas Constitution requires the Comptroller of Public Accounts to submit a statement showing the state’s financial condition and estimating the revenue it can expect to receive during the next two-year budget period. Here is a link to that report. 

In Case You Missed It

From the November/ December issue of Texas REALTOR®, read how Governmental Affairs advocacy works for you and can make you stronger as a real estate professional. 

To get real estate-related political and legislative updates in your inbox every other week during the Texas Legislative session, visit bjlanjia.com/recap.