Texas Lt. Gov. Unveils Priorities Targeting Property Taxes and 'Sharia Law'

Dan Patrick calls for reducing property taxes and preventing 'Sharia law' in Texas public schools and communities.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:15pm

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Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has released an initial list of priorities for the state legislature's 2027 session, including reducing property taxes and 'preventing Sharia law' from taking hold in Texas. Patrick asked state senators to provide legislative recommendations on these issues by February 20, with more priorities to be announced in March. The charges reflect a wave of anti-Muslim rhetoric and actions in Republican campaigns this election cycle.

Why it matters

Patrick's priorities highlight the growing influence of conservative activists who are pushing the GOP to take a harder line against Islam and prevent its spread in Texas, which is home to over 300,000 Muslims. The charges also reflect broader Republican efforts to cut taxes and limit the influence of perceived 'hostile' entities in the state's public schools and communities.

The details

Patrick's first priority is 'preventing Sharia law in Texas,' which he assigned to the Senate State Affairs Committee. He asked the panel to scrutinize the East Plano Islamic Center and recommend legislation to 'protect Texans from housing discrimination and unscrupulous developers.' He also directed the Senate Education Committee to find ways to 'strengthen laws stopping hostile countries or related entities from infiltrating' Texas classrooms and examine how some schools promote partnerships with groups deemed 'hostile agents' by the state or federal government.

  • Patrick released the initial priorities on January 30, 2026.
  • He asked state senators to provide legislative recommendations by February 20, 2026.
  • Patrick said he would announce more interim priorities in March 2026.

The players

Dan Patrick

The Republican lieutenant governor of Texas who leads the state Senate and wields significant power over legislation.

Ken Paxton

The Texas Attorney General who has sued to stop the planned East Plano Islamic Center.

Greg Abbott

The Republican governor of Texas who, along with other GOP officials, alleged that a planned sporting event called the Islamic Games was sponsored by a group designated as a foreign terrorist organization.

Donald Trump

The former president who, along with Gov. Abbott, designated the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a foreign terrorist organization.

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What they’re saying

“These first five interim charges, released today, reflect issues that I am particularly focused on, and Texans have asked the Texas Senate to study.”

— Dan Patrick, Texas Lieutenant Governor

“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.”

— Dan Patrick, Texas Lieutenant Governor

What’s next

The Senate State Affairs Committee and Senate Education Committee will provide legislative recommendations on Patrick's priorities by February 20, 2026. Patrick said he would announce more interim priorities in March 2026.

The takeaway

Patrick's priorities reflect the growing influence of conservative activists who are pushing the Republican party to take a harder stance against Islam and limit its spread in Texas, even as the state is home to a sizable Muslim population. These charges also align with broader GOP efforts to cut taxes and restrict the influence of perceived 'hostile' entities in the state's public schools and communities.