Texas Scorecard by Brandon Waltens May 28, 2023
Border security, bail reform, school choice, and property tax relief have failed to reach the finish line. The regular legislative session is set to end today, but lawmakers should be prepared to come back for overtime.
At the beginning of the session, Gov. Greg Abbott announced seven priority items. When the session ends on Monday, only three of those priorities will reach his desk.
While the Legislature passed legislation addressing COVID mandates, the fentanyl crisis, and school safety, other priorities failed to reach the finish line, including:
• Border security
• Bail reform
• School choice
• Property tax relief
Texas’ part-time Legislature is known for meeting relatively infrequently, especially when compared to smaller states. While many state legislatures meet year-round or hold legislative sessions annually, the Texas Legislature holds its sessions every two years for 140 days. During that time, thousands of bills, of varying priority to citizens and statewide officials, are filed. The only business the Legislature is constitutionally obligated to pass, however, is a balanced biennial budget.
But what if the session ends and there is still business the governor wants to see completed? In that case, the governor is allowed to call a special session.
More:
https://texasscorecard.com/state/texas-legislature-fails-to-pass-most-of-gov-greg-abbotts-priorities/
