AUSTIN, Texas — Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows has directed lawmakers to consider a study on the potential for counties in New Mexico to join the Lone Star State, a move that, even as unlikely to reshape the map anytime soon, signals a willingness to entertain proposals favored by conservative circles. The directive was included in a list of interim charges released Thursday, outlining priorities for House committees to address before the 2027 legislative session.
The study, prompted by a recent proposal originating in New Mexico, will examine the legal and logistical implications of adding “one or more contiguous counties” to Texas. While the idea of counties seceding from New Mexico to join Texas has been floated before, particularly among residents of the eastern part of the state who perceive culturally aligned with Texas, it remains a long shot. The Texas Constitution outlines a process for admitting new territory, but it would require the consent of both states and the U.S. Congress.
Burrows, a Lubbock Republican, framed the interim charges as a continuation of the House’s perform following a productive legislative session. “Following a legislative session defined by historic solutions, This proves critical the Texas House remains engaged in thoughtful policymaking and oversight as our state continues to grow and advance,” he said in a statement. “These interim charges reflect a commitment to building on that progress while further empowering committee chairs to identify fraud, waste, and abuse and safeguard taxpayer dollars.”
Property Tax Relief and Data Center Growth Remain Key Priorities
Beyond the attention-grabbing proposal regarding New Mexico, Burrows’ priorities largely align with those of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, focusing on property tax relief, border security, and responsible government spending. Both leaders have emphasized the necessitate to reduce the financial burden on Texans, though they differ on the best approach. Burrows and House leadership generally favor compressing school district tax rates and lowering appraisal caps, while Patrick has advocated for increasing the school homestead exemption – the amount of a home’s value that is exempt from property taxes. Governor Greg Abbott has similarly unveiled his own proposal to abolish homeowner school property taxes, setting the stage for potential legislative clashes.
The rapid growth of data centers in Texas also received significant attention in the interim charges. Burrows directed the State Affairs Committee to streamline regulations surrounding data center development while ensuring communities can manage the associated growth. Simultaneously, the Natural Resources Committee will examine the substantial water usage of these facilities and explore ways to optimize water resources for “water-efficient” development. This dual focus reflects a growing concern about the strain data centers place on the state’s already stressed water supply.
New Committees and Focus on Security Concerns
Burrows announced the creation of three new House committees: Governmental Oversight, Health Care Affordability, and General Aviation. The Governmental Oversight Committee will be tasked with the New Mexico secession study, as well as broader investigations into potential fraud and abuse within state government. The focus on healthcare affordability comes as medical costs continue to rise, and access to care remains a challenge for many Texans.
Security concerns also feature prominently in the interim charges. Burrows directed the Homeland Security Committee to investigate “foreign adversary and terrorist-linked influence operations” within the state, including political activity and funding networks. This directive, coupled with a charge for the Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee to review state law for potential conflicts with the U.S. And Texas constitutions – specifically regarding Sharia law – reflects ongoing GOP efforts to scrutinize Muslim groups in Texas. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights group, has been designated a foreign terrorist organization by Abbott, a move that has drawn criticism from civil liberties advocates.
Notably, border security, a perennial top priority for Texas Republicans, was not included on Burrows’ list of interim charges. This omission may reflect a shift in the political landscape following increased federal enforcement efforts and a changing dynamic at the border. However, lawmakers were still tasked with reviewing security concerns related to the H-1B visa program and English-proficiency standards for commercial truck drivers.
Burrows also directed committees to assess the impact of geopolitical instability on the state’s oil and gas industry, including disruptions to international markets and the potential for increased reliance on Venezuelan oil. The ongoing war in the Middle East and its potential ramifications for energy supplies are clearly on the minds of Texas lawmakers.
The speaker’s charges did not address expanding the state’s $1 billion private school voucher program, established last year, or ending public education funding for undocumented children – issues gaining traction among conservative lawmakers.
The House will begin taking up these interim charges in the coming months, with committee hearings and reports expected throughout 2026. The findings will inform the legislative agenda for the 2027 session, setting the stage for debates on property taxes, water resources, security, and potentially, the possibility – however remote – of expanding Texas’ borders. The next key step will be the committee assignments, expected to be announced in the coming weeks, which will determine which lawmakers will lead these critical investigations and policy recommendations.
Readers interested in following the progress of these interim charges can find more information on the Texas House of Representatives website: https://www.house.texas.gov/.
