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Texas Legislation Boosts Business and Education

News Summary

Governor Greg Abbott recently signed significant bills aimed at enhancing Texas’s business landscape and education system. Senate Bill 29 establishes stronger legal protections for businesses, making Texas a top contender for corporate headquarters. Additionally, the $8 billion school finance package aims to improve teacher salaries and resources. With the passage of SB 2617, Texas is also reinforcing traditional historical terms in education. These legislative moves underscore Texas’s commitment to a prosperous future for both businesses and education.

Austin, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 29, known as “DExit,” into law aimed at enhancing Texas’ business environment. The new legislation is set to strengthen the state’s business courts system, reinforcing Texas’ position as the leading state for businesses in the United States. Many companies considering moving away from Delaware will now see Texas as a more favorable option to establish their headquarters.

The Texas Association of Business (TAB) underscored the significance of SB 29, with CEO Glenn Hamer expressing gratitude to key legislative figures for their support. The approval of this bill is expected to increase business leaders’ confidence when making investments, alleviating concerns about costly litigation risks. Hamer asserted that SB 29 could be a transformative law for Texas by bolstering its reputation as a global business hub.

Among the key updates the bill introduces is the modernization of corporate laws that codify the business judgment rule, providing heightened legal protections for corporations and expediting dispute resolutions. This change aims to attract more businesses to Texas, supporting the state’s label as the “Headquarters of Headquarters.”

Furthermore, during the same signing event, Governor Abbott issued SB 1058, which promotes the establishment of the Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE). This new institution is anticipated to become a central player in Texas’ financial services landscape. To further secure the exchange’s future, House Joint Resolution 4 (HJR 4) is expected to be on the ballot during the upcoming Constitutional Amendment election set for November 5, 2025.

In addition to business legislation, the Texas House of Representatives passed House Bill 2, an $8 billion initiative aimed at overhauling school finance, which received notable bipartisan support (144-4). Governor Abbott hailed HB 2 as a monumental advancement for investment in teacher salaries and funding for school districts. However, the Texas Senate has yet to take action on this critical funding bill, which has raised concerns due to a history of late cuts resulting in funding deficits for public schools.

HB 2 is structured to increase the basic allotment for education funding and aims to address disparities in salaries between urban and rural districts. Although the House’s version focuses on equitable and flexible funding, the Senate’s proposed amendments impose restrictive spending rules on local boards, which could hinder effective financial management and local decision-making.

There is considerable urgency for the Senate to act on HB 2, especially with the recent passage of SB 2, a school choice bill, which indicates shifting priorities in educational policy. The Texas Association of Rural Schools has voiced support for HB 2, noting the long-term benefits it presents for the educational system in Texas.

In a separate educational matter, a new Texas Senate bill, SB 2617, passed with a 23-8 vote, mandates the use of “Before Christ” (B.C.) and “Anno Domini” (A.D.) terminology in public school teaching materials. The bill aims to create guidelines for school districts requiring the terminology’s use and bans the inclusion of B.C.E. (Before Common Era) and C.E. (Common Era) in educational content. This legislation is part of a broader trend toward endorsing traditional historical interpretations in public education and increasing religious influences in Texas schools.

In summary, the recent legislative actions in Texas reflect significant shifts in both business and education sectors, with new bills designed to enhance the state’s business appeal and educational standards. Governor Abbott’s administration continues to prioritize policies aimed at fostering economic growth and reforms within the educational system, reinforcing Texas’ role as a leader in both domains.