Texas Senate OKs plan to slow local property tax increases

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Texas Senate has approved a plan designed to slow the increase of local property taxes as Republicans scramble to deliver on fiscally conservative promises despite a state budget crunch.
Tuesday’s 18-12 vote sends to the state House a bill by Houston Republican Sen. Paul Bettencourt requiring local governments to seek voter approval via special elections when raising property taxes by at least 5 percent.
The current cap triggers elections on increases of 8 pe