Patrick issues second round of interim charges

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has released his second round of interim charges for Texas Senate committees to study in preparation for the 90th legislative session, beginning in January. These charges are intended to reflect the priorities of Texans and the state's conservative majority. Key legislative priorities include plans to increase the homestead exemption, referred to as “Operation Double Nickel,” aimed at property tax relief, though Gov. Greg Abbott has proposed a different plan. Other focus areas include reining in local government budget growth, eliminating fraud, strengthening the Texas power grid, and promoting a “Texas-first agenda.” Among the significant topics for study are assessing the state's power grid and managing data center growth. The charges specifically highlight widespread opposition to the potential use of eminent domain to acquire private land for data center expansion, especially in rural communities. Additionally, the agenda addresses Artificial Intelligence development in education and workforce preparation, public school enrollment declines, and the impact of four-day school weeks. Patrick also assigned new committee chairs and created three new select committees, including one on religious liberty. The religious liberty committee is tasked with educating Texans on their rights, amidst ongoing criticism and a lawsuit against Patrick regarding his previous role as chair of the federal Religious Liberty Commission.