New Threats to Texas, Pornographic Books Found in Many Public Schools, Cities Banned from Raising Property Taxes

Here are some of the latest updates I think would be of interest to you.  

The Senate’s Newly-Formed Homeland and Border Security Committee Tackles the Drone Threat and Cartel Fuel Trafficking 

Last week, I had the opportunity as Chair to lead the Senate Select Committee on Homeland and Border Security through two important hearings as we continued our work to examine the threats facing Texas and identify ways to better protect our state.

The first hearing examined the growing use of unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones. We heard from drone specialists and state officials about the risks these systems pose to critical infrastructure, crowded public events and law enforcement operations. We also discussed how cartels are increasingly using drones along the border to scout law enforcement positions and monitor their movements, as well as to assist in transporting and delivering drugs into Texas.  The cartels have become experts at this new technology, even traveling to Ukraine for operational training and also consulting with Chinese manufacturers.  

The committee also reviewed the implementation of Senate Bill 36 which established the Homeland Security Division within the Texas Department of Public Safety. This new division is playing an important role in strengthening coordination and preparedness as Texas works to address emerging threats to our state. No other state compares to Texas in it efforts for emergency preparedness and homeland security.  

Our second hearing focused on criminal activity connected to fuel trafficking along the Texas-Mexico border, which has become the second-largest source of cartel revenue. This illicit activity now generates more than $7 billion annually and helps fund other cartel operations, including human and drug trafficking. We heard testimony about how criminal organizations are exploiting legitimate fuel supply chains, using clandestine fuel sites and overweight commercial vehicles to traffic fuel into Mexico. We also examined the vulnerabilities in our current system that allow these criminal operations to take place and discussed ways Texas can better disrupt this illicit activity and hold accountable those responsible. Without decisive state intervention, fuel trafficking may soon become the top revenue source for criminal cartels.  

Shockingly, we learned that fuel traffickers are modifying tankers with fabricated saddle tanks or loading trucks to weights approaching 150,000 pounds, significantly heavier than the 80,000 pounds authorized to operate across the rest of the state, putting Texans at risk as these heavily overloaded trucks travel our roads near homes, schools and churches. We also examined vulnerabilities at our land ports of entry and the potential role of public corruption in facilitating these criminal operations.

If you would like to watch these hearings, you can find the archives at these links – Day 1 (Drones) & Day 2 (Fuel Trafficking).

The Homeland and Border Security Committee held hearings last week regarding drug cartels’ increasing use of drones, as well as the rise in fuel trafficking criminal activity along the border.

A Total of 251 Cities Barred From Raising Property Taxes 

During the 2025 legislative session, Senate Bill 1851 was passed and enacted into law to strengthen property tax transparency and accountability at the municipal level. The law prohibits cities from adopting an ad valorem tax rate above the no-new-revenue tax rate and holds municipalities accountable for failing to comply with basic financial transparency requirements, ensuring taxpayers can see how their tax dollars are being spent. Following a financial statement and transparency audit, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton notified 251 Texas cities that they are prohibited from adopting an ad valorem tax rate above the no-new-revenue tax rate, as required by Senate Bill 1851.

The Texas Legislature has made historic investments in property tax relief, with the state buying down approximately $70 billion in local property taxes. The Legislature has also established a no-new-revenue tax rate to help taxpayers identify local tax increases. The Legislature also capped school property tax increases at 2.5% and 3.5% for cities and counties unless they receive voter approval. State-funded school district tax rate buy-downs have helped reduce average ISD tax rates from approximately $1.50 to the mid-$0.60 range. Over the last decade, Texas has increased the homestead exemption from $25,000 to $140,000 for non-elderly and non-disabled homeowners and $200,000 for elderly and disabled homeowners. Finally, homeowners 65 and older are eligible to have their school district property taxes frozen.

Despite the progress that has been made, the Legislature remains committed to finding additional ways to lower property taxes. I serve on both the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Committee on Local Government, which have been charged by the Lt. Governor with examining property taxes and identifying additional ways to provide meaningful property tax relief.

Know What Your Children Are Reading

Books containing pornography and other offensive material have been found in many public school libraries. Many other books have been found to be simply adult material not suitable for children. Parents know their children best and should have the opportunity to determine whether a book’s content is appropriate for their child’s age, maturity and family values. Taking a few minutes to review library books can help parents stay informed about what their children are reading and ensure they have access to books that are appropriate and beneficial for them.

Parents can search books by title, author or keyword on RatedBooks.org. This site will provide insightful information about a book’s content, such as short summaries, detailed reports, content ratings and recommended age ranges for readers.

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick discussed this topic in the most recent episode of his podcast, Lt. Dan. I encourage you to take a few minutes to listen to the episode, which can be found at ltdan.com.

Fort Worth ISD Seeking Community Feedback

Due to the number of failing schools and low performance at Fort Worth ISD the state recently appointed a Board of Managers to take over the district. Fort Worth ISD is now seeking feedback from interested community members about the new goals and direction of the district. Please consider participating in the online survey and taking the time to share your thoughts. The deadline to participate is September 15, and you don’t have to have a child currently attending school in the district to participate.

To participate in the survey click here.