Legislative Services

Legislature Not in Session!

Having adjourned its fourth special session, the 88th Legislature stands at ease, as is normally the case this time of year. Legislators enjoy that status tenuously, however, as Gov. Greg Abbott has not yet said whether he will follow through on his previously announced intention to call the Legislature back for a fifth special session if lawmakers failed to pass a public school voucher program acceptable to him.

Abbott's other promise, to oppose Representatives who didn't support a voucher program, has already begun to be fulfilled. On Nov. 28, he endorsed Hillary Hickland, a Belton activist who has filed to run against Rep. Hugh Shine (R-Temple), one of 21 House Republicans who opposed a statewide public school voucher program.

While the Senate and House remain at odds on vouchers, they managed to find common ground on measures to fund border security and create a state offense for entering the country illegally. Both bills, listed here, await the Governor's signature or veto:

• Senate Bill 3 by Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Sugar Land). Relating to an appropriation to provide for the construction, operation and maintenance of border barrier infrastructure and border security operations, including funding for additional overtime expenses and costs due to certain increased law enforcement presence.
• SB 4 by Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock). 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 certain related orders, including immunity from liability and indemnification for enforcement actions, and authorizing or requiring under certain circumstance the removal of persons who violate those prohibitions; creating criminal offenses.

Election News

The list of lawmakers sure not to return for the 89th Legislature, convening in January 2025, continues to grow.

The Senate's longest-serving member, Sen. John Whitmire (D-Houston), garnered the most votes in a crowded Nov. 6 race for Houston Mayor and advanced to a Dec. 9 runoff with U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-Houston). Whitmire bested Jackson-Lee in that contest as well. He takes office Jan. 2, leaving behind a 50-year career as a state lawmaker – 10 in the House, 40 in the Senate.

Rep. Craig Goldman (R-Fort Worth) has filed to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Kay Granger (R-Fort Worth) in Congress. Two other House members also have their eyes on higher office: Rep. Victoria Neave Criado (D-Dallas) filed a last-minute challenge to Sen. Nathan Johnson (D-Dallas) and Rep. Jarvis Johnson (D-Houston) hopes to succeed Whitmire in the Senate.

Reps. Geanie Morrison (R-Victoria), Andrew S. Murr (R-Junction) and Kyle Kacal (R-College Station) declined to seek reelection, bringing the number of open seats in the House to 18. There are two open Senate seats.

They join 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.
• Rep. Rhetta Andrews Bowers (D-Rowlett), House District 113.
• Sen. Drew Springer (R-Muenster), Senate District 30.

Dec. 11 was the last day to file to run in the March primaries, so the field of prospective replacements is now set. That information and key election dates may be found on the Secretary of State's website.

Lastly, the Nov. 7 special election to fill vacated House District 2 following the May expulsion of Bryan Slaton saw no candidate win a majority. Republicans Jill Dutton and Brent Money will compete to finish Slaton's term in a Jan. 30 runoff.

2023 Legislative Analysis Report Available for Order

Printed copies of the Texas Association of Counties' 2023 Legislative Analysis Report remain 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.