The last special session was in the summer of 2017. Another Patrick priority that failed to pass in the regular session that he wants included is a bill barring local governments from funding lobbyists with taxpayer money. Dan Patrick toward the end of the regular session to include several of his priorities such as the proposed ban on transgender athletes that would prevent them from competing on sports teams that align with their gender identity. While only Abbott can set the agenda on the special session, he was urged by Lt.

He said Democrats would formulate a resistance strategy for red meat issues like a GOP elections bill once the agenda items are announced. “I would like to see the governor put some real agenda items on the call, like expanding access to health care and fixing the electric grid,” said House Democratic Caucus leader Rep. Legislators have spent the last few weeks petitioning for other items to be added, including Medicaid expansion, further action to reform the state’s electric grid and renewal of Chapter 313, a tax abatement program. “I’m pleased with the successes that we were able to gain over the session. ”It’s a remarkable session, considering the circumstances,” he said. Though he has called for a special session, Abbott praised the efforts of lawmakers during the session, pointing out that it was affected by the pandemic and the February winter storm. The July special session will likely complement another special session in the fall, when lawmakers are expected to meet to redraw the state’s congressional and legislative district boundaries.Ībbott had been coy about whether he would call a special session in addition to the one on redistricting. He has only faced one GOP primary opponent, winning with 60% of the vote in 2014, when he was elected to his first term in the House.Īmerican-Statesman reporters Madlin Mekelburg and Megan Menchaca contributed to this report.Last month in Fort Worth, Abbott said that he would have lawmakers address agenda items one by one, potentially in separate sessions. Phelan, who has received strong support in his Beaumont-based district, stayed mum. Texas is a very red state, even more than people know,' the former president said. 'Texans are tired of Phelan’s weak RINO leadership in the State House. That didn't sit well with Trump, who threatened to find a primary opponent for Phelan, dismissing him as a Republican in name only. More: State lawmakers try to pass bill limiting dog restraints for 2nd time Trump, who has endorsed Abbott, expressed confidence that the governor would 'follow suit,' but Abbott did not add the issue to the session agenda, and SB 47 went nowhere in the House. Led by Patrick, an ardent Trump supporter, the Senate passed the bill, even though election audits had not been added to the special session agenda by Abbott. Lawmakers also agreed on a massive spending bill to allocate about $13 billion in federal coronavirus relief dollars toward state hospitals, the tourism industry and other government entities that have faced financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Īn additional $3 billion in federal relief available to the state was earmarked for the property tax relief measure that was overhauled late Monday.Īnother compromise that emerged Monday was SB 5, legislation to protect dogs from dangerous restraints and shelter conditions. The final version of the bill removed an amendment added by the House that would have allowed chains to be used under certain conditions.

House members and senators took different paths on the bonds before coming to an agreement shortly before the session ended. That led to Senate Bill 52, which sought to authorize more than $3 billion in tuition revenue bonds to build research buildings, health facilities and other projects at public universities and health institutions across the state.

Texas special session