80th Regular Session of the Legislature Adjourns, Sine Die

AUSTIN -- State Senator Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls) has concluded his third regular legislative session serving the people of Senate District 30 in North Texas.

"There is always more work to be done, but overall I am pleased with the work of the Texas Senate and the 80th Legislature," said Estes. "As this Session ends, we have maintained our commitment to significant school property tax rate reductions, shoring up the Teacher Retirement Fund, and increasing funding for our state and local parks."

Highlights of the 80th Regular Session:

• $14 billion to finance promised school property tax rate reductions.
• Repealed Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Fee that appears on phone bills.
• $700 million contribution to the Teacher Retirement Fund and a bonus 13th Check for retired teachers.
• $156 million increase in funding for state parks to renovate facilities and revitalize park system.
• Increased criminal penalties for the production of meth in the presence of a child.
• Two-year moratorium on most privately funded toll-roads, including the Trans-Texas Corridor.
• Creating the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District which covers Montague, Parker, Wise, and Hood counties, with local authority to require industrial users to report water usage.

Most of these measures still require the Governor's approval before becoming law.

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