Texas Democrats Push School and Wage Bills in New 2027 Session
New legislation targets school vouchers, minimum wage, and local immigration enforcement as Democrats gain control of the House.
By Andrew Kovalenko ·
Texas legislators filed more than 1,000 bills on November 10, 2026, to prepare for the upcoming legislative session. The new term begins on January 12, 2027.
The batch of proposals includes measures to fund public schools based on enrollment and to eliminate the state's school voucher program. Lawmakers also introduced a bill to repeal the 287(g) program, which currently allows local agencies to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Other key initiatives seek to raise the minimum wage, expand Medicaid coverage, and regulate data centers. Bills aimed at combating school bullying and regulating rental markets are also part of the new legislative package.
The political environment for the 2027 session differs sharply from the special session held in 2025. Democrats have secured a majority in the Texas House of Representatives. In the state Senate, Republicans retain the majority, but the chamber will be led by newly elected Vice Governor Vikki Goodwin.
Gina Hinojosa defeated incumbent Governor Greg Abbott to become the first Democrat elected to the Texas governorship in nearly 40 years. Democrats also won other major state offices, with Nathan Johnson elected as attorney general. James Talarico won a seat in the U.S. Senate.
Senator Jose Menendez, who represents the San Antonio area, said his team worked with voters, advocates, and experts to draft solutions for the community. He noted that the new session offers a chance to achieve real change.
Bills must pass both the House and the Senate in identical form before reaching the governor for signature or veto. Most laws take effect 91 days after the legislative session ends unless a different date is specified. Filing a bill does not guarantee its passage.
