Lawmakers Adjust Priorities: Exploring Taxation of THC, References to Ten Commandments in Debates as Legislative Period Nears Conclusion
Texas' new city's bill continues its legislative journey, while other pressing issues remain active on Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's radar. As a powerful Capitol mover, Patrick has established a list of 25 priorities aligning with his conservative stance.
As the session nears its end, how far have we come? Analysts say that some of these priorities, like property taxes, THC products, water supply, and bail reform, have made their way through the Senate. However, the House, particularly Speaker Dustin Burrows, seems to be lagging.
"The Senate is the least of Dan Patrick's problems," journalist Blaise Gainey explains. "He's managed to get all 40 of his bills out of the Senate, and he's just waiting on Speaker Burrows to get the House to pass those."
Some of the key areas of interest include a proposed THC ban championed by Patrick, school choice, and bail reform, which find support from both Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Patrick. However, the House seems to be moving at a slower pace compared to the Senate.
"The speed of progress has been surprising when it comes to the Ten Commandments, bail reform, even the water supply, and the homestead exemption," Gainey adds.
Gainey remarks on the differences between the priorities of the governor, lieutenant governor, and house speaker. While issues like school choice and bail reform are shared among Abbott and Patrick, the proposed THC ban only appeared on Patrick's list. Additionally, property taxes garnered the attention of all three leaders, despite disagreements on who should receive exemptions.
School funding presents another distinguishing aspect between the agendas. Although both Abbott and Burrows focus on increased funding for schools and teachers, Patrick's list neglects school funding and instead highlights teachers. The House has combined both issues into a single bill, while the Senate has yet to engage extensively on it.
As the deadline for the legislative session approaches, analysts express skepticism about the possibility of a special session, considering the progress made on priority issues like school choice and the impending reelection campaigns of Abbott and Patrick.
Nonetheless, unfinished business like property taxes and bail reform might bring lawmakers back post-session for further discussion and action.
"If not, they'll be back possibly because those were also prominent issues," Gainey concludes. "But candidates also like to run on issues and accomplishments. It might leave them something to talk about next time around."
- Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has managed to get all 40 of his bills, including the proposed THC ban, out of the Senate, but the House seems to be moving at a slower pace.
- Issues like school choice and bail reform find support from both Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Patrick, but school funding is not a priority on Patrick's list.
- The House has combined school funding and increased funding for teachers into a single bill, while the Senate has yet to engage extensively on this issue.
- Analysts express skepticism about the possibility of a special session, considering the progress made on priority issues like school choice and the impending reelection campaigns of Abbott and Patrick.
- Unfinished business like property taxes and bail reform might bring lawmakers back post-session for further discussion and action, or it could provide candidates with issues and accomplishments to discuss during their reelection campaigns.
