Texas Rep. Money Introduces Key Legislation on Abortion, Taxes, and Lobbying

Overview of Key Legislation Introduced by State Rep. Brent Money

State Rep. Brent Money, representing Texas House District 2, has introduced several pieces of legislation during the special session that address a range of issues including taxes, abortion, and lobbying. These bills aim to bring about significant changes in how local governments operate and how Texans are affected by current laws.

House Bill 127: Limiting Lobbying Activities

House Bill 127 focuses on the use of public funds for lobbying activities by political subdivisions. The bill proposes that political subdivisions, such as schools, school districts, and counties, should not be allowed to use taxpayer money to hire individuals who are required to register as lobbyists under chapter 305. This includes non-profit state associations or organizations that primarily represent political subdivisions and hire or contract with such individuals.

If passed, this bill could potentially prevent local entities from using public funds to influence legislative decisions. It also allows taxpayers to seek injunctive relief if they believe their money is being used improperly. According to Money, the goal is to ensure that taxpayer money is not spent on lobbying efforts that may not align with the interests of the taxpayers themselves.

House Bill 163: Protecting Unborn Children's Rights

House Bill 163 addresses the protection of an unborn child’s rights, criminal liability, and justification for prohibited conduct related to abortion. The bill defines a fetus as a child from the moment of fertilization through birth and after birth. It states that the intentional death of an unborn child caused by either the mother or a doctor will be considered illegal.

Money emphasizes that the intent of this bill is to reflect what he believes most Texans already believe—that abortion is murder and should not be legal. He argues that this approach directly addresses the issue of abortion in a way that aligns with the values of many Texans.

House Bill 164: Exploring Alternative Taxation Methods

House Bill 164 aims to study alternative methods of taxation to replace revenue lost if ad valorem taxes are abolished. Ad valorem taxes, which are based on the value of property, are a significant source of revenue for many local governments. Money highlights that property taxes are a major concern for voters across Texas, particularly for business owners and homeowners who struggle with the financial burden of these taxes.

The purpose of HB 164 is to find alternative ways to fund essential services such as roads, schools, and police departments without increasing property taxes. This initiative reflects a growing concern among voters about the rising costs associated with property ownership.

House Joint Resolution 2: Abolishing Ad Valorem Taxes

House Joint Resolution 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to abolish ad valorem taxes. If passed, this resolution would prohibit political subdivisions from imposing ad valorem taxes for any purpose after January 1, 2030. However, until that date, political subdivisions would still be allowed to use ad valorem taxes on taxable property, as they do under existing law.

Voters will have the opportunity to vote on HJR 2 during an election on May 2, 2026. This resolution represents a significant step toward addressing the concerns of Texans who feel burdened by property taxes and are seeking long-term solutions to reduce their financial obligations.

Tracking the Status of Legislation

For those interested in following the progress of these bills as they move through the Texas House, there are resources available to track their status. Interested individuals can visit specific links to search for each piece of legislation and stay informed about any developments.

These legislative efforts by State Rep. Brent Money highlight the ongoing discussions and debates surrounding key issues affecting Texas residents. As these bills continue to be considered, their potential impact on local communities and the broader state will remain a topic of interest and importance.