Legislative Services

Lawmakers Called Back for Overtime

Suiting up for a special session is reflex for Capitol devotees. Many thought they were off the hook when the 89th Legislature wrapped up after passing a bevy of high-profile conservative priorities, including bail reform, mandatory display of the Ten Commandments in public schools and, most importantly, education savings accounts, or ESAs — public school vouchers by another name.

The unofficial rule this session: No ESAs, no summer vacation. In 2023, a coalition of House members blocked a voucher plan during both the regular session and again in four special sessions called by Gov. Greg Abbott. So, when a public school voucher plan was delivered this year, legislators, staffers, lobbyists, stakeholders and everyone else afflicted with a particular strain of seasonal disorder breathed a sigh of relief.

Then along came Senate Bill 3 by Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock), Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s proclaimed highest priority. SB 3 was a response to a previous hemp law that inadvertently provided a gray area into which thousands of retailers flooded, selling all manner of smokable and consumable THC products that delivered the very high Perry’s bill sought to prohibit. The House and Senate had different visions on how the genie ought to be put back in the bottle.

The Senate passed a strict prohibition. The House countered with a regulatory framework. Patrick put his foot down and with just days to spare, the House largely acquiesced, winning expanded medical usage in exchange for its support of the ban.

With both Abbott’s and Patrick’s top priorities passed, it now seemed safe to make summer vacation plans.

But an opposing drone grew louder as a group of strange bedfellows voiced their displeasure, urging Abbott not to sign SB 3. Somehow conservatives, head shop owners, veterans, Texans with disabilities and their families — people all across the political spectrum — made it known that they did not want the genie back in the bottle.

Abbott used nearly the whole of his veto period to contemplate his move. With less than an hour to go, he sent shockwaves by vetoing SB 3 and ordering lawmakers back to the drawing board. The Governor’s four-page veto proclamation was unusually prescriptive. Patrick expressed surprise, and then some, in a press conference the next day.

A 30-day special session will begin July 21. In addition to THC regulation, legislators are tasked with reconsidering vetoed legislation on human trafficking, cement kilns and more. Abbott’s full statement is available here.

Governor Vetoes 28 Bills

In addition to the seismic reverberations from SB 3’s veto, Abbott exercised line-item veto authority on the state budget, rejected various criminal justice-related matters, licensing regulations, fee changes and an open meetings act amendment. All veto statements are available here.

Tax Assessor-Collectors Elect New Leadership

The Tax Assessor-Collectors Association of Texas held its 91st annual conference June 1-4 in Galveston. A new Board of Directors, pictured below, was elected and sworn into office.

Legislative Directory Available

The Texas Association of Counties’ 2025-26 Legislative Directory remains available for order. The directory includes contact information for legislative leaders, committees, county official associations and TAC’s Legislative Services team.

Order free your copies here.

Editor’s Note

With the regular session of the 89th Legislature now concluded, we have returned to monthly publication of County Issues. Look for the July edition on Friday, July 25.

Month in Review is a collaborative column from TAC Legislative Services.