Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows released a wide-ranging set of priorities for the state House of Representatives on Thursday, signaling a legislative agenda that spans property tax reform, data center development, and controversial proposals regarding New Mexico counties.
Burrows, a Lubbock Republican, tasked House committees with studying a variety of issues as lawmakers prepare for the 2027 session. His interim charges share some overlap with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s earlier priorities, particularly on property tax relief, state security, and identifying potential fraud in government spending. However, Burrows’ agenda casts a wider net, with several new committees and policy areas designed to give the House broader oversight responsibilities.
Among the most striking directives, Burrows instructed a new governmental oversight committee to examine the implications of adding contiguous New Mexico counties to Texas. The move follows a proposal from New Mexico allowing its counties to secede. While any boundary changes are unlikely in the near term, the charge is expected to energize some pro-secession activists in Texas.
Data centers also feature prominently on Burrows’ list. The State Affairs Committee is charged with recommending ways to streamline regulations for data center development while ensuring local communities can manage growth. Meanwhile, the Natural Resources Committee will examine total water usage by these facilities and explore measures to promote water-efficient development.
Property tax reform remains a long-standing focus for Burrows. He directed the Ways and Means Committee to consider compressing school district tax rates, increasing the school homestead exemption, and reviewing the state’s property tax appraisal system. These measures reflect ongoing debates between Burrows, Patrick, and Governor Greg Abbott over how best to reduce the tax burden for Texas homeowners, particularly concerning public school funding.
Other interim charges touch on security and foreign influence. Burrows tasked the House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee with reviewing laws to ensure foreign legal systems do not conflict with U.S. and Texas constitutions. The Homeland Security Committee was directed to address foreign influence operations, including potential political and funding networks tied to foreign governments. These directives align with broader Republican efforts in Texas to monitor and restrict certain Muslim advocacy groups.
Notably, border security did not appear among Burrows’ priorities, reflecting a shift in focus following federal immigration policies. Committees were asked instead to examine H-1B visa use and English proficiency standards for immigrant workers, particularly truck drivers.
Energy and natural resources were also highlighted. Lawmakers are tasked with studying how geopolitical uncertainty—including Middle East developments, Venezuelan oil imports, and global liquefied natural gas markets—might impact Texas’ oil and gas industry. Water infrastructure remains a priority as well, after previous steps aimed at addressing the state’s ongoing water supply challenges.
The interim charges make no mention of expanding private school vouchers or limiting public education for undocumented children, two issues that have recently surfaced in conservative circles. By focusing on a combination of fiscal, security, and infrastructure priorities, Burrows’ agenda sets a broad legislative roadmap while leaving room for potential debate on some of Texas’ most contentious policy questions.
