Texas Special Session: Flood Recovery, STAAR Test Elimination, and Property Taxes

Texas Special Session Agenda

• 🎯 Governor Greg Abbott has called a new special session in Texas, focusing on 18 specific agenda items.
• 🗓️ The session is set to begin Monday morning and can last up to 30 days.

Flood Recovery and Natural Disaster Preparedness

• 🌊 A key priority is addressing flooding issues, particularly along the Guadalupe River, following a recent tragedy.
• 💡 Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick introduced a measure to create a better alert system for flood warnings.
• 🛠️ Legislation also aims to improve emergency communications and provide state funding for Hill Country flood relief.
• 🗣️ Governor Abbott emphasized the need for better preparation for future natural disasters.

Other Key Legislative Priorities

• 💰 The session includes a renewed focus on cutting property taxes.
• 🌿 There is also a push to crack down on hemp-derived products, especially those accessible to minors.
• 🎓 A significant proposal is the elimination of the STAAR test, with plans to replace it with more effective student progress measurement methods.

Democratic Concerns and Exclusions

• 🚫 Democrats have raised concerns about missing agenda items, such as teacher raises and Medicaid expansion.
• ⚠️ This marks Governor Abbott's sixth special session since the regular session concluded.