Texas House passes budget bill, defunds lottery

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The Texas House of Representatives is currently discussing Senate Bill 1 - the 2026-27 general appropriations bill - and House Bill 500 - the supplemental appropriations bill. Combined, both measures will blueprint how the state spends its money (including its $24 billion surplus) in the next two years.Entering the day Thursday, there were 393 pre-filed amendments to the budget, with more to be filed during the session. Texas House preparing for long budget session&ldquo