Deep dive into Mayor Jones's legislative priority amendment

Deep dive into Mayor Jones's legislative priority amendment by Phil Sterling Mon, November 9, 2026 at 7:42 PM 4 VIEW ALL PHOTOS Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones says San Antonio should take advantage of new opportunities she sees after Democrats swept the November election. (SBG San Antonio) Comment on this story 0 Comment Share story Share topics: Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones Texas Legislature Reproductive Health House Bill 2127 Ramon Najera Act Gerrymandering Medicaid Expansion Immigration Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones says San Antonio should take advantage of new opportunities she sees after Democrats swept the November election. Jones has outlined legislative priorities specific to San Antonio ahead of next year’s Texas legislative session as part of an amendment she wats to see to the State Legislative Program. “We have an opportunity that we haven’t had in thirty years, so it’s really important that we meet the moment,” said Jones. “We need to be very specific about the policy outcomes we want to see,” Jones said. Among the priorities is rolling back restrictions on reproductive health care. In Texas, abortion is generally prohibited, with exceptions in certain circumstances, including when a pregnant patient faces a life-threatening condition. “We want families and other people to come across the country and not be turned away and not fear some of these really draconian laws,” said Jones. Jones also wants state lawmakers to repeal House Bill 2127, known as the “Death Star” bill. It allows state lawmakers to block local laws in areas already covered by state law. Jones pointed to the Ramon Najera Act, which Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed after the 81-year-old was mauled to death by dogs in San Antonio. The bill would have increased penalties for owners after a dog attack and allowed animal control agencies to investigate dangerous dogs without a victim affidavit. “We would be able to pass local ordinances that impact and benefit people’s lives,” said Jones. Jones also wants lawmakers to address gerrymandering, the practice of drawing districts to favor the party that draws the maps. “Recognizing we have some real work to do in our state when it comes to addressing any of the inequities we just talked about,” said Jones. The mayor’s other priorities include expanding Medicaid in Texas, reducing cooperation between ICE and local police, and repealing a law that allows landlords to reject renters who use federal housing assistance. Jones is encouraging City Council members to add their own priorities to the list. The council is scheduled to consider the amendment at its December 3 meeting. Trending Family of five killed after SUV leaves wet IH-10 overpass in Seguin, parents identified Rain-slicked IH-10 in Seguin turned deadly when a Chevrolet Tahoe left an overpass near FM 725, killing a Porter family of five, including three children. FM 725 was shut for hours as police investigate. Two adults, three children killed after vehicle goes off bridge near I-10 in Seguin A single-vehicle crash near FM 725 and Interstate 10 prompted road closures in Seguin on Sunday afternoon, according to the Seguin Police Department.In a traffic alert posted to Facebook, police said at 1:30 p.m. on Fried Chicken Sandwich Day: Where to find the best deals National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day brings free and discounted sandwiches to San Antonio, with app and rewards deals from Popeyes, Wingstop, McDonald’s, Whataburger, KFC and more as chicken sandwich demand keeps rising. Highway 281 Southbound re-opened after 18-wheeler crash Highway 281 Southbound re-opened after 18-wheeler crash Gov.-elect Hinojosa wants to expand Medicaid in Texas, will need more than executive order **The headline has been edited due to character limits NEWS IN PHOTOS: " Local " 12 NEW Family sues Camp Mystic owners as wrongful-death pause lifts amid bankruptcy 13 NEW Trial date 'tentatively set' for man accused of murdering actor Jonathan Joss 4 NEW Deep dive into Mayor Jones's legislative priority amendment 4 Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones speaks on midterm election results, cost of living, ICE facility