The Texas Senate will officially gavel in at noon Tuesday, launching the 89th Texas Legislature and setting the stage for a legislative session packed with critical issues. High-priority topics on the docket include school choice, public education funding, border security, property tax reforms, and possible amendments to the state's abortion laws.
Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to announce a list of emergency items, which allows designated bills to bypass constitutional waiting periods of 30 and 60 days. With Abbott’s list in hand, both legislative chambers will expedite debate and decision-making on these pressing matters.
Renewed Push for School Choice
After previous failures to pass school choice legislation despite multiple special sessions, Abbott expressed renewed confidence this time around, citing a shift in legislative dynamics following the 2024 primaries and a strong Republican showing in November’s elections.
“I now have enough votes to get school choice legislation across the line this session,” Abbott asserted.
Addressing the Budget Surplus
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick highlighted fiscal priorities following the state comptroller's announcement of a projected $23.8 billion treasury surplus.
“With this surplus, my first focus is to cut property taxes and increase teacher salaries,” Patrick said. “We will also invest in strengthening our energy grid to sustain the Texas miracle.”
Legislative Process and Early Assignments
In the coming weeks, both chambers will assign committees tasked with reviewing and evaluating proposed legislation. These committees play a crucial role in determining which bills advance to the chamber floor for debate and potential amendment.
Bills that clear committee hurdles face a second reading, where they undergo debate and a majority vote before advancing to a third reading for final approval. Should a bill navigate this process successfully, it lands on the governor's desk for signature, veto, or enactment without a signature.
New Faces in the Senate
Of the 31 senators set to serve this session, 16 are returning after securing victory in the 2024 election cycle. Notably, three freshman legislators—Molly Cook (D-Houston), Adam Hinojosa (R-Corpus Christi), and Brent Hagenbuch (R-Denton)—will take their seats following recent electoral wins.
Cook won a special election last year and retained her seat in November, succeeding former Sen. John Whitmire, now Houston's mayor.
Maintaining Republican Control
The Republican Party holds a 19-12 majority in the Senate, maintaining a supermajority that contrasts with their narrower control in the House.
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