Special session underway in Austin
AUSTIN– State lawmakers are back to work after a special session called by Gov. Greg Abbott officially got underway this week, focusing on a lengthy list of items.
On Monday, July 21, lawmakers began tackling items focusing on subjects ranging from cutting property taxes to ending the STAAR test and improving the state's preparedness and communications during natural disasters.
"We delivered on historic legislation in the 89th Regular Legislative Session that will benefit Texans for generations to come," Abbott said. "There is more work to be done, particularly in the aftermath of the devastating floods in the Texas Hill Country. We must ensure better preparation for such events in the future."
Heading into the session, House District 23 Rep. Terri Leo Wilson was ready to get to work, having filed several pieces of legislation ahead of time.
"The governor's proclamation and the bills I will continue to file reflect what I consistently hear from my constituents: end the misuse of taxpayer dollars for lobbying, keep local taxes under control, and protect the integrity of our elections," Leo Wilson said.
The governor is asking lawmakers to reduce the property tax burden on Texans and impose spending limits on entities authorized to levy property taxes.
Leo Wilson filed House Bill 34, which aims to support those efforts on property tax reform.
Lawmakers are also expected to consider granting the attorney general the power to prosecute election crimes, and Leo Wilson has filed two pieces of legislation focused on these efforts.
• House Bill 85: Grants the attorney general explicit authority to prosecute criminal offenses under Texas election laws, advancing the governor's goal of strengthening election integrity.
• House Joint Resolution 6: Proposes a constitutional amendment to confirm and clarify the attorney general's power to prosecute election crimes, matching the governor's call for a constitutional amendment on this issue.
Leo Wilson also filed House Bill 83, which will prohibit political subdivisions from spending taxpayer money on lobbyists or lobbying associations. That is a direct reaction to the governor's agenda for the special session.
The session is expected to take a hard look at practices related to natural disasters following the devastating flash floods in Hill County this month. Emphasis will be on flood warning systems, emergency communications, relief funding for the Hill Country, and preparation and recovery events related to disasters.
"I am optimistic this special session will produce concrete results that directly respond to the Governor's call and deliver meaningful relief and reform for Texans," Leo Wilson said.