With the 89th Texas Legislative Session set to convene in less than a score of days, the stage is primed for another 140-day whirlwind of debates, deals, and decisions. The stakes are high, and the intrigue is palpable as lawmakers prepare to tackle issues ranging from education reform to property taxes. Here are six critical questions to watch as the session unfolds.
1. Who Will Be the Speaker?
The race for the House speaker gavel is the first and perhaps most consequential battle of the session. State Reps. David Cook (R-Mansfield) and Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) have emerged as the primary contenders, each representing divergent factions within the Texas GOP.
Cook: Endorsed by the Republican caucus, Cook advocates for substantive changes to House operations, including a hardline stance against appointing minority party chairs.
Burrows: Though slightly less radical in his reform proposals, Burrows champions a more measured approach and suggests letting the House vote on key operational rules.
The outcome will influence everything from committee appointments to the handling of divisive issues like education funding and school choice. If neither candidate secures the required 76 votes, a wildcard candidate could emerge, potentially plunging the House into further chaos.
2. Can the Speaker and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Get Along?
The new speaker will need to navigate a notoriously volatile relationship with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate.
Patrick’s tenure has been marked by contentious clashes with recent House speakers, including outgoing Speaker Dade Phelan. A cooperative dynamic could expedite legislation, while another feud might stall key initiatives, particularly on contentious topics like property taxes and school choice.
Cook’s Edge: Cook, with tacit support from Patrick, might have a smoother path to collaboration.
Burrows’ History: Burrows has previously negotiated with Patrick during critical stalemates, suggesting he might also find common ground.
3. What Will Gov. Greg Abbott Prioritize?
Gov. Greg Abbott’s emergency item list will set the tone for the session, enabling lawmakers to address certain issues immediately. Key priorities are likely to include:
Education Savings Accounts (ESA): Abbott remains committed to passing a school choice program, potentially tied to teacher pay raises and increased public school funding.
Property Taxes: Following last session’s historic tax cuts, Abbott may push for further reductions, possibly revisiting appraisal caps or homestead exemptions.
School Safety: Additional funding for school safety measures may follow last year’s stalled proposals.
Bail Reform: With rising crime a pivotal campaign issue in 2024, bail reform could finally gain traction.
Energy Fund Expansion: Abbott may push to bolster the Texas Energy Fund, aiming to secure the state’s power grid.
4. Will Budget Battles Dominate the Session?
With a projected $20 billion treasury surplus, lawmakers are bracing for intense budget negotiations. While culture war debates may take a backseat, the budget will almost certainly become a flashpoint.
Key considerations include:
Allocating funds for infrastructure, education, and energy projects.
Balancing fiscal responsibility with political pressures to deliver on campaign promises.
Determining the biennium budget’s final total, potentially exceeding last session’s $320 billion.
5. What Surprises Await?
Texas politics rarely unfolds without a few unexpected twists. In the last session alone, Rep. Bryan Slaton was expelled, Attorney General Ken Paxton faced impeachment, and Lt. Gov. Patrick made headlines for his open clashes with Speaker Phelan.
Will 2025 bring another scandal, legislative gridlock, or a major policy shift? Speculation abounds, but history suggests lawmakers should prepare for the unpredictable.
6. What About Under-the-Radar Policy Fights?
Beyond the marquee issues, several under-the-radar battles could capture attention this session:
Foreign Land Ownership: A revived push to block purchases by hostile foreign actors may gain momentum.
Abortion Exceptions: Proposals to allow exceptions for rape and incest in the state’s abortion restrictions are expected from Democrats but face an uphill battle in the GOP-dominated Legislature.
Youth Restrictions: Bills to ban cell phones in schools and prohibit minors from using social media could spark debates on children’s well-being and privacy.
Bathroom Bill Revival: Controversial proposals requiring students to use facilities matching their biological sex are back, rekindling a polarizing debate from 2017.
Looking Ahead
The 89th Legislative Session promises drama, negotiation, and potentially transformative policy decisions. Whether the focus remains on education reform, property taxes, or other emerging issues, the outcome of these 140 days will shape Texas for years to come. Stay tuned—this is one political saga you won’t want to miss.
.jpg)
