Texas Legislative Session Ends: Key Bills Await Governor Abbott's Decision

Legislative Session Concludes

• 🏛️ The Texas legislative session has officially ended after 140 days, with lawmakers concluding their work for now.
• 📝 A total of 1,212 bills were passed during the session, and the focus now shifts to Governor Greg Abbott.

Governor Abbott's Role

• ✍️ Governor Abbott has 10 days (excluding Sundays) to either sign or veto the passed legislation.
• 📜 Bills that are not signed or vetoed will automatically become law.

Key Legislation and Priorities

• ⚖️ Governor Abbott's top priority is a bill reform package aimed at ensuring dangerous criminals are kept behind bars.
• ⛓️ A constitutional amendment will be put to voters requiring judges to deny bail for certain violent offenses.
• 💳 Legislation will also limit who can receive a cashless bond, often referred to as a 'get out of jail free card'.

Education Reforms

• 🏫 School vouchers will be implemented starting fall 2026, allowing public funds to be used for private school tuition.
• 📚 Public schools will receive increased funding, enabling teacher raises for the first time since 2019.
• 📜 The Ten Commandments will be displayed in every Texas public school classroom.
• 🚫 DEI programs in K-12 public schools will be banned, and school-sponsored LGBTQ student groups will be prohibited.

Other Notable Bills

• 💨 A bill to ban THC has passed both chambers but faces significant resistance, with veteran groups arguing it helps manage pain.
• ⚠️ Critics are urging the governor to veto the THC ban.