Legislative Services

Breaking the Tape

Lawmakers’ long run to the finish line that began in January and ends Monday is nearly over. Three days remain for the 89th Legislature.

Tuesday was the last day for the House and Senate to consider all bills and joint resolutions. The final three days are reserved for reconciling House and Senate versions of passed legislation and for making nonsubstantive corrections.

The 89th Legislature filed a total of 9,014 bills and joint resolutions. Of those, 2,142 passed either the House or the Senate, and 1,154 passed both chambers. So, there will be 1,154 new laws, right? Not quite. That number will winnow as conference committees fail to reach agreement, voters have their say in November and Gov. Greg Abbott deploys his veto stamp.

So far, 731 bills have been sent to Abbott. He has signed 235 into law and allowed 18 to become law without his signature. Just one bill has been vetoed, House Bill 353 by Rep. Jared Patterson (R-Frisco).

Lawmakers also proposed 295 amendments to the Texas Constitution. Joint resolutions bypass the governor’s desk and go directly to voters at the next general election. Fifteen have been filed with the Secretary of State, and one is still under consideration by a conference committee.

In recent years, lawmakers have passed between 1,000 and 1,500 new laws and proposed constitutional amendments. The tally for the 89th Legislature won’t be finally set until June 20, when the governor’s veto window closes.

State Water Authority Issues Alert

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) published notice of a phishing campaign targeting local communities under the guise of a TWDB information request. Learn more here.

Legislative Directory Available

TAC’s Legislative Directory for the 89th Legislature is still 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.

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