7 Policies Texas Democrats and Republicans Agree On

A majority of Texas Democrats, Republicans, and Independents agree on practical solutions to many issues that may surprise you, including abortion, guns, and mental health. 

As Texans, there are some obvious things we all agree on: our summers are brutal, our brisket is unbeatable, and “y’all” is the only proper way to address a crowd. 

But there are several lesser-known areas where we find common ground—regardless of political affiliation. These shared truths hide in plain sight across the Lone Star State, from the glassy towers beneath Austin’s blue skies to the pumpjacks dipping into the red sands of the Permian Basin.

Builders polled 1,001 Texas voters statewide on a range of issues.* And it turns out, a majority of Texas Democrats, Republicans, and Independents agree on practical solutions to many issues that may surprise you, including abortion, guns, and mental health. 

Shifting our focus to the solutions most Texans already agree on isn’t just smart—it’s how we move our state forward. In a time when politics feels stuck, building common ground gives us a way through.

And if it works here—in a state as big, diverse, and proudly independent as Texas—maybe it can work anywhere. Texas has a chance to light the way for the rest of the nation, showing what’s possible when we create lasting solutions rooted in the will of the people.

We’ve highlighted seven of these bipartisan policies below.

Let’s get into it.

1.

Texas doesn’t have a statewide rule yet for paying homeowners who send extra solar energy back to the grid (called net metering), but it’s starting to test the waters. Some local utilities already offer credits, while others pay very little—so how much you save depends on where you live. The Public Utility Commission is now running pilot programs to see if solar homes and batteries can help support the grid during peak times. The main roadblocks? Big utility companies worry about losing profits, and regulators want to make sure the grid stays stable. Still, with strong public support and more people going solar, broader net metering policies in Texas could be coming soon.

2.

More than half a million Texas children lack access to care. And without it, the parents of these children cannot contribute to the state’s booming economy. The state has made significant childcare investments recently—Senate Bill 1 passed in June 2025, allocating $3.3 billion for things like childcare center tuition for needy families and subsidies for the centers themselves. But many other proposals failed, including tax breaks for employers who fund their employees’ child care costs.

3.

Texans overwhelmingly support letting licensed counselors from other states provide mental health care here—especially via telehealth—as the state faces major shortages, with 30 counties lacking even one licensed provider. Right now, out-of-state counselors must get a separate Texas license, which slows down access. Lawmakers have proposed House Bill 1537, which would allow licensed professionals in other states to treat Texans without re-licensing. The bill hasn’t passed yet, partly due to oversight concerns, but it’s gaining traction and could significantly expand mental healthcare for Texans who need it most.

4.

Despite broad public support, Texas politicians resist temporary gun removals from those at risk of harming themselves or others. Proposed bills have stalled, often over fears of infringing on Second Amendment rights or being abused. Just last month, Gov. Greg Abbott signed several bills loosening gun laws. Still, advocacy groups continue pressing for legislation that balances public safety with due process.

5.

This “test-and-treat” plan would let pharmacists help with simple stuff—like testing for strep throat or the flu and giving you meds on the spot—without sending you to a doctor first. It’s especially helpful in rural towns where doctors are harder to reach. Texas lawmakers introduced a bill (House Bill 3540) to make it happen, but it recently died in committee. Why the pushback? Some groups are worried about pharmacists doing too much without a doctor involved. Still, a lot of Texans support the idea, and many say it’s time to make basic care quicker and easier.

6.

In Texas, a woman cannot legally obtain an abortion due to rape or incest—the law only allows abortions to save the life of the pregnant woman. Currently, there are no active bills specifically seeking to legalize abortion in those scenarios. Most Texas voters think that should change.

7.

Texans want students to graduate with real-world skills they can use right away—whether or not they go to college. House Bill 20 helps make that happen by letting high schoolers take job-focused classes that count toward graduation and even earn them certifications. But there are still a few hurdles to clear, like making sure there’s enough funding, trained teachers, and fair access for schools across the state before it can fully roll out everywhere. 

If so many Texans support these policies, why haven’t they been passed into law?

The answer boils down to a mix of political caution and behind-the-scenes influence. Even when voters across party lines agree, some issues—especially those tied to abortion or gun policy—are politically sensitive. Lawmakers may fear backlash from party leadership, donors, or primary challengers. 

When you mix in pressure from special interests and Texas’s habit of favoring local control over state rules, even the most popular ideas can hit a wall.

95% of Texans believe elected officials need to be held more accountable to the will of the people

That’s not just a statistic—it’s a wake-up call. Across party lines, Texans are tired of seeing their shared values stalled out by politics as usual. The good news? The agreement is already there. On everything from mental health to gun control, Texans have spoken. What’s missing isn’t consensus—it’s follow-through.

That’s why Builders Texas exists: to close the gap between what Texans believe and what actually gets done. Because when the people are ready, the policies should follow. It’s time our laws caught up with our values. 

Let’s build the Texas voters are already asking for.

—Alex Buscemi (abuscemi@buildersmovement.org)

*Both statewide polls were commissioned by Builders and conducted by Baselice & Associates, Inc. between May 2–7 and June 25- 29, 2025 with 1,001 Texas voters. Margin of error ±3.1%.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this article has been modified to clarify the language around temporary gun removals.