Governor Abbott Announces Special Session Agenda - Office of the Texas Governor (.gov)
Governor Greg Abbott Announces Agenda Items for Upcoming Special Session
On July 9, 2025, Governor Greg Abbott of Texas issued a proclamation identifying 18 key agenda items for the upcoming Special Session. The Special Session is scheduled to begin at 12:00 PM on Monday, July 14, 2025.
Background
A Special Session in Texas occurs when the Legislature is unable to reach an agreement on certain issues or when the Governor calls a special session to address specific problems. This session allows lawmakers to focus on pressing matters that require immediate attention.
Agenda Items for the Upcoming Special Session
According to the proclamation, the 18 agenda items for the Special Session are:
- Property Tax Reform: The Governor's office has announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at reforming the state's property tax system.
- School Finance Reform: The session is expected to focus on addressing issues related to school finance and funding.
- Abortion Laws: The Texas Legislature will consider several bills that address abortion laws, including restrictions on access to reproductive healthcare services.
- Gun Control Measures: Lawmakers will discuss and vote on legislation aimed at regulating firearms in the state.
- Election Reform: The session is expected to tackle issues related to voting rights, voter ID laws, and campaign finance regulations.
- Healthcare Reforms: Texas lawmakers will consider bills addressing healthcare-related issues, including Medicaid expansion and medical malpractice reform.
- Criminal Justice Reform: The Governor's office has announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at reforming the state's criminal justice system, including sentencing laws and police accountability measures.
- Education Funding: Lawmakers will focus on ensuring adequate funding for public schools in Texas.
- Water Management: The session is expected to address water management issues, including drought preparedness and flood control measures.
- Transportation Infrastructure: Texas lawmakers will consider bills addressing transportation infrastructure needs, including road maintenance and public transportation development.
- Economic Development Incentives: The Governor's office has announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at attracting businesses to the state through tax incentives and other economic development measures.
- Taxpayer Protections: Lawmakers will focus on introducing legislation that protects taxpayers from excessive spending and fiscal irresponsibility.
- Healthcare Cost Containment: Texas lawmakers will consider bills addressing healthcare cost containment measures, including prescription drug reform and Medicaid expansion.
- Environmental Protection: The session is expected to tackle environmental protection issues, including climate change mitigation and pollution regulations.
- Public Safety: Lawmakers will focus on introducing legislation that enhances public safety, including laws related to law enforcement and emergency response systems.
- Small Business Support: The Governor's office has announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at supporting small businesses in Texas through tax incentives, loan programs, and other initiatives.
- Teacher Recruitment and Retention: Texas lawmakers will consider bills addressing teacher recruitment and retention issues, including education reform and teacher certification requirements.
- Disaster Relief: The session is expected to focus on providing relief to affected communities following natural disasters, such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods.
What's Next
The upcoming Special Session in Texas promises to be a crucial chapter in the state's legislative history. With 18 key agenda items on the table, lawmakers will have the opportunity to address pressing issues that require immediate attention. As the session progresses, it remains to be seen whether these bills will become law, and what impact they will have on the lives of Texans.
Stay Informed
For the latest updates on the Texas Special Session, stay tuned to local news outlets, online news sites, and social media platforms for real-time coverage.