The bill filing deadline has passed, bringing the total number of substantive bills filed this Session to 8,901—5,794 in the House and 3,107 in the Senate. The March 14th deadline also marked the end of the 60-day constitutional waiting period to consider non-emergency legislation. In other words, we’re officially off to the races. Opportunity Austin continues to maintain a strong presence at the Capitol, advocating for our legislative priorities. We are also working closely with our regional partners to ensure their needs are represented on key issues, including facilitating opportunities for them to testify in front of legislative committees.

Read more below about key economic development bills we're supporting, including a policy brief on legislation projected to generate a net economic gain of $58.8 billion over 20 years.

Policy Brief: R&D Tax Credit Reauthorization

One of the most important bills economic development this session has been filed. SB 2206 and HB 4393 (companion bills) would extend the R&D Tax Credit program while making several important improvements to the law. Economic development discussions often center around announcements and the next big thing, but this legislation is a powerful tool for long-term growth. Our R&D Tax Credit Policy Brief discusses why these bills are so important and how they keep our state’s economy strong by providing access to millions of dollars in reinvestment capital.  

Session Preview

Business leaders push Texas to extend expiring R&D tax credit program: “The implication is clear. The question is not whether Texas can afford to extend the R&D tax credit, but instead whether Texas can afford not to extend the R&D tax credit.”

Major water legislation taking shape: With water becoming an increasingly urgent issue in Texas, major legislation aims to make a long-term impact on both funding and infrastructure.

Opportunity Austin Signs letter in support of Energy Choice: OA joined a coalition of stakeholders opposing proposed regulations that would add unnecessary costs and decrease affordability. The City Council will consider this issue on Thursday, March 27. 

Bill Tracker 

You can view a shortlist of some of the most notable bills OA is tracking to monitor their impact on economic development in the Austin region. If you have questions about what any of these bills do, the Advocacy team is happy to discuss them with you.

Some notable items include:

- JETI Bills – HB 4022, HB 195, HB 4149 are all similar and OA supports them all, but is actively working on HB 4022 

- R&D Tax Credit – SB 2206 and HB 4393 have been filed 

- SH 130 Connector – SB 1074 and HB 2876  

- $3,600 Child-Care Franchise Tax Credit – HB 3011  

- Creation of the Texas Technology and Innovation Program – HB 1268 – OA has registered their support for these bills  

- Creation of the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Program - HB 14 / HJR 8 and SB 2060 – OA has registered their support for the House bills  

- Creation of the Texas Cyber Command – HB 150 and SB 2176 - OA has registered their support for the House bill  

- Creation of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute – SB 5 / SJR 3 and HB 5 / HJR 3: OA has registered their support for these bills 

OA Day at the Capitol

OA Policy and Advocacy Resources 

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