With three weeks left, lawmakers juggle property tax relief, school funding, and divisive social issues—hoping to avoid a special session.
Deadline Crunch
As the Texas Legislature nears its June 2 adjournment, major priorities remain unresolved. While Gov. Greg Abbott has secured a school voucher win, battles over abortion, property taxes, teacher pay, and religious expression in schools are far from over.
The House must pass its own bills by Thursday, and Senate bills must clear House committees by May 24. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s social agenda—Ten Commandments in classrooms, school prayer, and stricter library rules—has committee support but awaits floor votes.
Conservative Bills Face Hurdles
Lawmakers are weighing fines for abortion pill distribution and bans on city programs that help Texans travel out of state for abortions. Critics say some proposals are unconstitutional.
Other stalled bills would limit public restroom access by gender and expand bans on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in K-12 schools. “Never say never,” said Ken Armbrister, a former legislative aide to Gov. Rick Perry, noting last-minute maneuvering can revive stalled legislation.
Tax Relief and Teacher Pay in Sight
The House and Senate struck a deal to raise the homestead exemption to $140,000—$200,000 for seniors and disabled Texans—and increase business inventory tax breaks. That paved the way for a $7.7 billion school funding package, though chambers still disagree on how to allocate raises.
Sen. Brandon Creighton’s revised House Bill 2 proposes structured raises in teachers’ third and fifth years. A committee hearing is set for Thursday.
Abortion Exception Clarity, Water Funding Advance
Senate Bill 31, with bipartisan support, would clarify when abortions are legal under current law to better protect physicians and patients. It has passed committee and awaits a vote.
Meanwhile, lawmakers are pushing a constitutional amendment dedicating $1 billion annually for a decade to address the state’s water crisis, though debates continue over how funds should be spent.
Potential Special Session Triggers
Abbott may call a special session if issues like bail reform or THC regulation remain unresolved. A new House bail bill would let judges deny bail for violent crimes, with safeguards to protect due process—possibly breaking a long-standing impasse.
Patrick, meanwhile, wants a ban on hemp-derived THC products. The House prefers regulating them with age limits and vape restrictions.
Clock’s Ticking
“The system is set up to kill stuff, not to pass stuff,” Armbrister told The Texas Tribune. Still, with the session’s end in sight, lawmakers must choose between compromise—or a return to Austin this summer.
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