89th Texas Legislative Session: Key Bills Passed and Controversies

End of the 89th Texas Legislature

• 🏛️ The 89th Texas legislature has officially concluded its 140-day session, with lawmakers working until the final moments.
• 📜 Over 6,500 bills were introduced, and more than 300 were passed and sent to the governor's desk.

Major Legislative Achievements

• 📚 Key issues addressed include school voucher programs, bail reform, teacher pay raises, and property tax relief.
• 👨‍🏫 House Speaker Dustin Burrows highlighted the public education initiatives as transformative and a source of pride.
• 💬 Democratic State Senator Molly Cook noted the passage of eight bills to the governor's desk, emphasizing the significant impact Democrats had on major legislation.

Controversial Bill: SB3 (THC Sales)

• ⚠️ A major point of contention is SB3, which aims to ban the sale of THC in Texas.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Advocates, including veterans, delivered thousands of letters urging Governor Abbott to veto the bill, stating it would restrict access to products that help manage chronic pain and trauma.
• ⚖️ Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick views the availability of THC as a public health risk and anticipates legal challenges.

Governor's Action and Next Steps

• 🗓️ Governor Greg Abbott has until June 22nd to decide whether to sign or veto SB3.
• 🤝 The governor is also scheduled for a bill signing event on bail reform in Houston.