Texas Political Spotlight

Texas Lawmakers Advance Bill to Turn Empty Office Space Into Housing

Amid Texas’ growing housing affordability crisis, state lawmakers have advanced legislation that could reshape urban development by repurposing underused commercial properties into residential space. On Tuesday, the Texas House gave final approval to SB 840, which would allow apartments and mixed-use developments to be built in areas currently zoned only for office use in major cities. The measure, authored by Sen. Bryan Hughes, eliminates the need for rezoning, a process often cited by developers as a barrier that inflates housing costs. The bill, which passed the House 106-33, now returns to the Senate for action on House amendments before it can head to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk.

The legislation is limited to Texas cities with populations exceeding 150,000 and located in counties of at least 300,000 residents, targeting urban areas where demand for housing is most acute. SB 840 is part of a broader push by Republican leaders to expand housing supply as a means of reducing prices, following years of rapid population growth and a reported statewide shortage of over 300,000 homes. Other bills in the same legislative package aim to permit smaller homes on smaller lots and allow additional units on single-family properties, though several have yet to receive final legislative approval. While previous attempts to ease zoning restrictions have stalled, SB 840’s passage without debate suggests shifting political momentum and growing public support for measures that allow flexible use of Texas’ aging commercial real estate.

»»» Click Here to View the Passage of Senate Bill 840 «««

“Life of the Mother Act” Passes the House, Heads Back to the Senate

The Texas House has advanced SB 31, known as the "Life of the Mother Act," which aims to clarify when doctors can legally perform medically necessary abortions under the state’s existing abortion ban. The legislation defines a "life-threatening condition" as one that could cause death, though it does not require the patient to be in immediate danger. Supporters say the bill is intended to remove uncertainty for physicians treating patients in critical situations and standardize language across existing laws. It does not expand abortion access, nor does it provide exceptions for rape or incest.

Under the proposed law, doctors would be shielded from criminal prosecution if an abortion is performed in a medical emergency that risks serious bodily harm. The bill also outlines training requirements for physicians and legal support provisions for those involved in such cases. It previously passed the Senate unanimously before advancing in the House by a 129-6 vote.

Rep. Vikki Goodwin Launches Bid for Lieutenant Governor

Rep. Vikki Goodwin formally launched her campaign for lieutenant governor on Tuesday. Goodwin, who has served four terms in the Texas House representing a safely Democratic district in Travis County, becomes the first major Democratic contender to declare for the 2026 race. Her announcement marks a significant political move: giving up her legislative seat to take on Republican incumbent Dan Patrick, who has already signaled plans to seek a fourth term and enters the race with more than $33 million in campaign funds. In her launch, Goodwin emphasized priorities such as fully funding public education, expanding access to affordable housing and health care, and investing in clean water and energy, all while criticizing current state leadership for undermining public trust in government institutions.

Though Goodwin has hinted at a statewide bid for more than a year, her entry highlights the steep climb Democrats face in Texas, where no member of the party has won a statewide election since 1994. Patrick, a key figure in the state’s conservative leadership, won reelection by double digits in 2022, and his deep fundraising network poses a significant obstacle for any challenger.

Goodwin’s departure from the House has already triggered movement in her district, with Travis County Democratic Party Chair Pooja Sethi, who also serves as Goodwin’s chief of staff, announcing a campaign to succeed her.

🤝 USLege Secures Venture Capital Funding to Accelerate Nationwide Expansion

We hope you enjoyed today’s read!

Stay connected with TXLege News on X and LinkedIn!

🤝 Texas Venture Forum & Gala May 28–29

USLege is headed to the Texas Venture Forum & Gala May 28–29, sponsoring, speaking, and podcasting live from the floor. Join us for the conference and gala at the intersection of tech and government.

Please use code "USLEGE25" for 20% off table/tickets

🎙️Check Out Our Podcast! 🎙️

Bills and Business is your go-to podcast for conversations related to Texas legislation and business. Hosted by Laura Carr, Co-Founder of USLege—an AI-driven legislative tracking software—we bring you in-depth analysis on economic trends, impactful legislation, and key developments shaping Texas business.

Subscribe on Youtube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for weekly episodes!

🔍 USLege - The Only AI-First Political Tracking Solution ✨

USLege helps you track legislation and find what you need faster from bills, committee hearings, floor debates, and state agency meetings faster.

Say goodbye to tedious tasks!

You can follow USLege on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.

🤝 Texas Association of Business 📈

Texas Association of Business (TAB) is the Texas State Chamber, representing companies of every size and industry. TAB’s purpose is to champion the best business climate in the world, unleashing the power of free enterprise to enhance lives for generations.

You can follow TAB on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.