Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced a special session of the Texas Legislature on Sunday, identifying six bills that state lawmakers should consider addressing.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Abbott called for this special session shortly after announcing a veto of Senate Bill 3, which would have prohibited hemp-derived THC products from being sold in the Lone Star State.
In a statement about the veto, the governor wrote that he understands both sides of the argument but would like the two sides to find some sort of compromise during the special session.
In a news release about the upcoming special session, Abbott identified five bills he would like lawmakers to address.
In addition to SB 3, Abbott specifically noted that lawmakers should discuss the following bills:
- Senate Bill 648: Relating to recording requirements for certain instruments concerning real property.
- Senate Bill 1253: Relating to impact and production fees for certain water projects and to the regulation of certain wells; authorizing a fee.
- Senate Bill 1278: Relating to an affirmative defense to prosecution for victims of trafficking of persons or compelling prostitution.
- Senate Bill 1758: Relating to the operation of a cement kiln and the production of aggregates near a semiconductor wafer manufacturing facility.
- Senate Bill 2878: Relating to the operation and administration of and practices and procedures related to proceedings in the judicial branch of state government.
Abbott also released a statement about his decision to call for a special session, writing in the new release that lawmakers have already “delivered results that will benefit Texans for generations to come.”
“Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, and the Texas House and Senate worked hard to send critical legislation to my desk. This session has seen monumental success, but there is more we can do.”
Although Abbott has identified only these bills at the current juncture, the governor described his list of priorities as “an initial list of agenda items,” indicating that more could be added in the future.