GOV. ABBOTT ANNOUNCES AGENDA FOR SPECIAL SESSION BEGINNING THURSDAY

  

Governor Greg Abbott has laid out the agenda for Texas legislators when they meet tomorrow (Thursday) at the Capitol to begin a special session.

Eleven agenda items are set to be considered by lawmakers during the session, which was called after items that Abbott considered to be priorities during the 87^th Legislature did not make it to his desk.  The regular session ended after House Democrats walked out to block passage of legislation that would have imposed stricter voting laws.

That legislation will be considered during the special session, along with:

• Legislation reforming the bail system in Texas.
• Legislation concerning the state’s border security plan.
• Legislation addressing social media censorship.
• Legislation “providing appropriations to the Legislature and legislative agencies in Article X of the General Appropriations Act.” Following the walkout, Abbott vetoed the section of the state budget that funds the Legislature, but told lawmakers they would be able to reinstate the money during the special session.
• Legislation requiring schools to provide education to middle and high school students about dating violence, domestic violence and child abuse, but also “recognizes the right of parents to opt their children out of the instruction.”
• Legislation barring students from competing in University Interscholastic League (UIL) athletic competitions designated for the sex opposite of the student’s sex at birth.
• Legislation prohibiting people from providing abortion-inducing drugs by mail or delivery service, strengthening laws that apply to abortion reporting and abortion complications, and ensuring that no abortion-inducing drugs are provided unless there is “voluntary and informed consent.”
• Legislation relating to a “thirteenth check,” or one-time supplemental payment of benefits, under the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Legislation concerning critical race theory.
• Legislation providing appropriations from additional available general revenue for property tax relief, enhanced protection of children in Texas’ foster care system and to better safeguard the state from potential cybersecurity threats.

Other items can be submitted by the Governor after the session convenes.

The Governor's full proclamation can be read here.