Lt. Gov. Patrick Targets “Sharia Law,” Property Taxes in First Legislative Priorities for 2027
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has unveiled his first set of priorities for the upcoming 90th Legislature, and they’re raising eyebrows across the Lone Star State. Among the top five interim charges released Tuesday: preventing Sharia Law in Texas communities, cutting property taxes, securing the power grid, preventing fraud, and reforming education.
“These first 5 interim charges, released today, reflect issues that I am particularly focused on, and Texans have asked the Texas Senate to study,” Patrick stated in a press release from his office. The lieutenant governor directed the Senate committees to begin studying these issues ahead of the legislative session that begins in January 2027.
Preventing “Sharia Law” in Texas Communities
Perhaps the most controversial charge directs the State Affairs Committee to study ways to prevent Sharia Law in Texas. The directive specifically targets projects like the East Plano Islamic Center (formerly EPIC City, now known as The Meadow) and recommends legislation against “secondary judicial systems” and housing discrimination, according to reports.
The focus on Islamic law comes without evidence that Sharia is being implemented in Texas communities. Critics are already questioning whether the charge targets religious freedom or addresses an actual policy concern.
Property Tax Relief Remains Front and Center
Will Texans see more property tax cuts? That seems to be Patrick’s intention. His “Operation Double Nickel” initiative continues the lieutenant governor’s push for property tax relief, with his legislative tracker highlighting bills like SB 4, which would increase homestead exemptions to $140,000, and SB 23, which would raise senior exemptions to $200,000.
“Texans can rest assured the Senate will hit the ground running on day one of the 90th Texas Legislature to ensure the priorities of the conservative majority of Texans are accomplished,” Patrick promised, specifically mentioning “continued property tax relief” among his top concerns.
Preparing for Texas Growth
The other priorities reflect Patrick’s focus on Texas’s rapid growth and infrastructure needs. In a recent speech to the Dallas Regional Chamber, he emphasized the importance of preparing for the future: “We have to be prepared for the future, for the water needs, the grid needs, and the educational needs,” Patrick told business leaders.
Grid security, in particular, remains a sensitive issue for many Texans still haunted by the 2021 winter storm failures that left millions without power for days.
Patrick’s education reforms highlight school choice for up to 100,000 students, a contentious issue that has divided lawmakers along both partisan and urban-rural lines in previous sessions.
More Charges Coming
These five priorities represent just the beginning. Texas senators have until February 20th to submit their own interim charge recommendations, which Patrick said would number in the “hundreds.” His office plans to release the full list of charges in March.
Patrick noted that 98% of bills passed during his tenure have received bipartisan support, though critics might question whether the focus on Sharia Law will maintain that cooperative spirit as the 90th Legislature approaches.
As Texas continues to grow and diversify, the question remains whether Patrick’s priorities reflect the changing needs of all Texans or primarily cater to his conservative base — a tension that will likely define the political landscape heading into 2027.
