Legislative Update

2ND SPECIAL SESSION RESULT

As reported by Jill Tate, VP Legislation for the Texas Federation of Republican Women

The 2nd special session of the Texas Legislature ended on September 4th with 19 items on the Governor’s call including redistricting, flood relief, camp safety, property tax relief, ending taxpayer funded lobbying, and THC reform.

First, Congressional redistricting was passed allowing for five more Republican seats from Texas. The passed map is more reflective of the population of Texas and their Republican values. TFRW has worked hard to register and turn out Republicans throughout the state and this map is reflective of that hard work.

The STARR test has been eliminated and replaced with three shorter assessments throughout the year to monitor student progress. This gives educators a more accurate picture as to if their students are learning.

Also passed during the special session:

•   The Attorney General will be able to prosecute election offenses.

•   Ivermectin will be available for purchase over the counter. (This was carried by our member, Rep. Joanne Shofner.)

•   The Texas Women’s Privacy Act was passed ensuring bathrooms, locker rooms, and shelters are for women’s use only.

•   Camp safety planning and flood relief money was also passed however, how to address future disasters did not make it across the finish line.

Other items not making it to the Governor’s desk include ending taxpayer funded lobbying and property tax reform.

THC Reform

One of the most controversial issues—hemp derived products—did not gain a consensus either. The Governor did issue an executive order tasking TABC and DSHS with prohibiting the sale of help-derived products to minors and directed the DSHS to conduct a review of agency rules on THC content in products and labeling requirements.

Charlie Kirk Response

I also want to make you aware of a special select committee announced by the Speaker and Lt. Governor in response to the shooting of Charlie Kirk. The House and Senate Select Committee on Civil Discourse and Freedom of Speech in Higher Education will be chaired in the House by Rep. Terry Wilson and in the Senate by Sen. Paul Bettencourt.

According to a press release by Speaker Burrows, “This committee will help identify ways to better protect the fundamental right of free speech on our campuses, including measures to ensure political gatherings are safe and secure, and its recommendations will guide the Legislature’s policy decisions moving forward.”