Texas Legislative Session Nears Conclusion with Key Bills Pending

News Summary

As the 89th Texas Legislative Session approaches its end on June 2, significant pending bills focus on THC regulation, dementia research funding, education hiring practices, and potential property tax cuts for homeowners. Lawmakers are racing to pass crucial legislation, addressing concerns about public health, diversity in hiring, and funding for local services, such as the DART system. Governor Abbott’s decisions will shape Texas’ future as critical measures wait for his signature amid controversies and discussions on various vital issues.

Austin, Texas – The 89th Texas Legislative Session is approaching its conclusion on June 2, with Governor Greg Abbott facing a deadline to sign or veto remaining bills. Among the major pending issues are proposed measures addressing THC regulation, dementia research funding, hiring practices, and property tax cuts for homeowners. Lawmakers are making last-minute attempts to advance their bills through committees, hoping to secure vital legislation before the session ends.

The remaining critical bills include SB 3, which proposes to ban or regulate THC, aiming to address public health and safety concerns regarding cannabis products. Another significant measure, SB 5, seeks to establish a $3 billion fund dedicated to dementia research, responding to the growing need for medical research in this area. Additionally, SB 12 aims to prohibit school districts from considering race, gender identity, ethnicity, or sexual identity in hiring practices, stirring much discussion about diversity and inclusivity in education. Lastly, HB 9 proposes potential property tax cuts for Texas homeowners, a significant concern for many residents facing rising costs.

Beyond these measures, various proposals affecting the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system are raising alarms among local officials. Bills such as SB 3075 and HB 3187 threaten the funding structure of DART, possibly leading to its dismantling, which has raised concerns about public transportation in the region.

Other noteworthy bills awaiting action from the governor include SB 31, which provides exceptions for abortions in emergencies, and SB 10, which requires classrooms to display the Ten Commandments. Another controversial measure, SB 8, mandates local sheriffs to enforce immigration laws, which is anticipated to be met with resistance from various advocacy groups.

Several significant bills have already been signed into law during this session. Among them is SB 2, which implements education savings accounts with $1 billion in funding for private and home schooling, benefiting around 100,000 children. Additionally, SB 326 takes steps to address the rising tide of anti-Semitism in the state.

Furthermore, the Texas House approved Senate Bill 7, aiming to secure funding for new water supply projects that will go to voters in November. Half of the state’s sales tax revenue is dedicated to these projects in cooperation with the Texas Senate, highlighting the urgency of addressing future resource needs in the rapidly growing state.

The next Texas Legislative session is slated for January 12, 2027, with the potential for special sessions to be called by Governor Abbott for specific topics, which can last up to 30 days. Meanwhile, many lawmakers, particularly from North Texas, are focused on passing as much legislation as possible before the current session ends.

In addition to addressing immediate needs, lawmakers have also introduced bills with long-term impacts on housing and community safety. HB 1738, authored by Rep. Venton Jones, looks to repeal obsolete state code penalties for “homosexual conduct.” Other bills, such as SB 2835 and SB 960, aim to promote environmentally efficient buildings and incentivize affordable workforce housing for residents. Legislation like SB 583 seeks to compel the City of Dallas to utilize its land for workforce housing, reflecting the burgeoning housing crisis in urban areas.

Despite these legislative measures, the session has faced controversies, especially around gambling expansion proposals that did not gain traction this time. The inability to move forward with these proposals highlights ongoing debates about gaming laws and their potential effects on the state economy.

As the clock ticks down to the session’s end, the fate of these bills—and their implications for Texas residents—remains uncertain. Stakeholders keenly await Governor Abbott’s decisions, which will shape the state’s legislative landscape for years to come.

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Additional Resources

• Dallas Weekly
• Dallas Observer
• WFAA
• NBC DFW
• Wikipedia: Texas Legislative Session