AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The Texas House has preliminarily approved a bill making it tougher for cities to annex surrounding property.
The proposal lets residents vote on whether they want to be annexed by larger municipalities. A sticking point has been so-called buffer zones, meant to protect the boundaries of military bases in cities like San Antonio.
Friday’s 115-24 vote means final House approval should come Saturday. The Senate would then consider House changes.
A similar proposal had been set to pass on the last day of Texas’ regular legislative session in May, but was killed by a final-hours filibuster by San Antonio Democratic Sen. Jose Menendez.
Abbott made the issue one of about 20 he revived for a special session, which is set to end next week with few of his priorities approved.
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