Capitol Roundup

July 8, 2021

Quote of the Week

“The 87th Legislative Session was a monumental success for the people of Texas, but we have unfinished business to ensure that Texas remains the most exceptional state in America.”

-Gov. Greg Abbott, on a special legislative session beginning July 8

Inside this edition of Capitol Roundup:

Last Call: Register for the AGC-TBB Summer Gathering (July 27-29). Hotel block rates expire tomorrow!

Abbott sets 11 items on special session agenda.

Visit online: AGC Texas Building Branch

Group Rates Expire Tomorrow

Book your hotel today: Hotel rates under AGC-TBB room block expire on Friday, July 9 at 5 p.m. (see below).

The 2021 AGC-TBB Summer Gathering & Legislative Update Event takes place July 27-29 in San Antonio at the JW Marriot Hill Country Resort & Spa.

Several high-profile state lawmakers will be in attendance, including House Speaker Dade Phelan, Chairman Jeff Leach, Rep Justin Holland, Rep Mando Martinez, and Rep John Cyrier.

Click here to reserve your hotel room under the AGC-TBB block, or book by phone at (877) 622-3140.

Click here to register for the event, including the golf outing at TPC San Antonio (July 27 - shotgun start at 8 a.m.).

Abbott sets 11-item agenda for special session starting July 8

On Tuesday this week, Gov. Greg Abbott released his agenda for the special legislative session beginning July 8. The agenda contains 11 issues for state lawmakers to consider.

The agenda features several of Abbott's priority bills, including those related to reforming Texas elections and the bail system, as well as more controversial issues such as social media censorship and teaching critical race theory in schools. Other hot-button issues on the agenda include border security, abortion drugs, funding for legislators and their staff, and property tax relief.

Most of the items on Abbott's agenda are priorities that stalled in the Legislature late in the regular session that concluded at the end of May. Lawmakers will have 30 days to consider Abbott's agenda items, but they could also adjourn at any time. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has stated he plans to begin hearings in the Senate on Saturday, July 10.

Additionally, Gov. Abbott is expected to call another special session in the fall to address redistricting, among other items.

Here is a complete list of Abbott's special session agenda:

BAIL REFORM: Legislation reforming the bail system in Texas to protect the public from accused criminals who may be released on bail.
ELECTION INTEGRITY: Legislation strengthening the integrity of elections in Texas.
BORDER SECURITY: Legislation providing funding to support law-enforcement agencies, counties, and other strategies as part of Texas’ comprehensive border security plan.
SOCIAL MEDIA CENSORSHIP: Legislation safeguarding the freedom of speech by protecting social-media users from being censored by social-media companies based on the user’s expressed viewpoints, including by providing a legal remedy for those wrongfully excluded from a platform.
ARTICLE X FUNDING: Legislation providing appropriations to the Legislature and legislative agencies in Article X of the General Appropriations Act.
FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION: Legislation similar to Senate Bill 1109 from the 87th Legislature, Regular Session, requiring schools to provide appropriate education to middle- and high-school students about dating violence, domestic violence, and child abuse, but that recognizes the right of parents to opt their children out of the instruction.
YOUTH SPORTS: Legislation identical to Senate Bill 29 as passed by the Texas Senate in the 87th Legislature, Regular Session, disallowing a student from competing in University Interscholastic League athletic competitions designated for the sex opposite to the student’s sex at birth.
ABORTION-INDUCING DRUGS: Legislation similar to Senate Bill 394 from the 87th Legislature, Regular Session, which prohibits people from providing abortion-inducing drugs by mail or delivery service, strengthens the laws applicable to the reporting of abortions and abortion complications, and ensures that no abortion-inducing drugs are provided unless there is voluntary and informed consent.
THIRTEENTH CHECK: Legislation similar to House Bill 3507 from the 87th Legislature, Regular Session, relating to a “thirteenth check” or one-time supplemental payment of benefits under the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
CRITICAL RACE THEORY: Legislation similar to House Bill 3979 concerning critical race theory as originally passed by the Texas Senate in the 87th Legislature, Regular Session.
APPROPRIATIONS: Legislation providing appropriations from additional available general revenue for the following purposes:
property-tax relief;
enhanced protection for the safety of children in Texas’ foster-care system by attracting and retaining private providers for the system; and
to better safeguard the state from potential cybersecurity threats.