Legislative Services

Legislature Convenes in Third Special Session

Following the May end of the 88th regular session, Gov. Greg Abbott twice called back legislators to pass a plan to deliver the $17.6 billion in property tax relief funded in the 2024-25 state budget. On Oct. 9, lawmakers again returned to Austin to convene in special session. Only the governor can order a special session, and only subject matter of his choosing is eligible to be passed into law. Over the 30-day special session's term, Abbott has called on lawmakers to pass "education freedom" in the form of a public education voucher program, which would allow parents to withdraw their children from public schooling and access state funds for private education.

Additionally, he directed the House and Senate to consider border security, controversial allegations surrounding the Colony Ridge development in Liberty County and prohibiting private employers from using COVID-19 vaccination status as a condition for employment.

The following bills have passed either the Senate or the House.

• Senate Bill 1 by Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe). Relating to the establishment of an education savings account program.
• SB 2 by Creighton. Relating to a local optional teacher designation system implemented by a school district, a security officer employed by a school district, the basic allotment and guaranteed yield under the public school finance system and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program; making an appropriation.
• SB 11 by Sen. Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury). Relating to the creation of the criminal offense of improper entry from a foreign nation.
• House Bill 4 by Rep. David Spiller (R-Jacksboro). Relating to prohibitions on the illegal entry into or illegal presence in this state by a person who is an alien, the enforcement of those prohibitions and authorizing under certain circumstances the removal of persons who violate certain of those prohibitions; creating criminal offenses.
• HB 6 by Rep. Jacey Jetton (R-Richmond). Relating to making an appropriation for the construction, operation and maintenance of border barrier infrastructure.

Two bills have navigated both chambers:

• SB 4 by Sen. Pete Flores (R-Pleasanton). Relating to the punishment for certain criminal conduct involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house; increasing criminal penalties.
• SB 7 by Sen. Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston). Relating to prohibiting a private employer from adopting or enforcing certain COVID-19 vaccine mandates; authorizing an administrative penalty.

SB 4 was passed without amendment. Abbott can soon sign it into law.

SB 7 was amended in the House. Middleton can move to concur with the amendments or request appointment of a conference committee to reconcile the differences.

The special session will end Nov. 7. Abbott has promised to call legislators back for another special session if they do not pass a voucher program.

Another State Representative Declines to Seek Reelection

The list of lawmakers sure not to return for the 89th Legislature, convening in January 2025, continues to grow. Since our last update, Rep. Rhetta Andrews Bowers (D-Rowlett) has announced that she will not seek reelection to her House District 113 seat in 2024. Instead, she has entered the race to succeed U.S. Rep. Colin Allred (D-Dallas) in Congress. Allred is running in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.

Bowers joins the following group, who earlier announced they would not return:

• Rep. Charles "Doc" Anderson (R-Waco), House District 56.
• Rep. John Raney (R-College Station), House District 14.
• Rep. Matt Schaefer (R-Tyler), House District 6.
• Rep. Carl Sherman (D-DeSoto), House District 109.
• Rep. Ed Thompson (R-Pearland), House District 29.
• Rep. Abel Herrero (D-Robstown), House District 34.
• Rep. Julie Johnson (D-Farmers Branch), House District 115.
• Rep. Tracy King (D-Uvalde), House District 80.
• Rep. Evelina "Lina" Ortega (D-El Paso), House District 77.
• Rep. Four Price (R-Amarillo), House District 87.

Prospective replacements must file for a place on the primary ballot by Dec. 11. Other key election dates may be found on the Secretary of State's website.

Additionally, a Nov. 7 special election will determine which of six candidates will next represent House District 2, vacated when the Texas House expelled Bryan Slaton of Royse City.

Constitutional Amendments on Nov. 7 Ballot

As reported in September's County Issues, voters will decide Nov. 7 on 14 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. Early voting began Oct. 23 and ends Nov. 3.

2023 Legislative Analysis Report Available for Order

Printed copies of the Texas Association of Counties' 2023 Legislative Analysis Report are now available for order. The free report summarizes legislation passed by the 88th Texas Legislature that affects counties. Order your copies here.

A digital version of the 2023 Legislative Analysis Report can be found on the TAC website.

For more information about this article, please contact Pete Winckler.