One regular session and three special sessions later, the 87th Texas Legislature left town this week. But are they gone for good?
Probably so, says Texas Tribune political reporter James Barragán – at least from Gov. Greg Abbott’s perspective.
“Many of the governors legislative priorities were able to make it through this session,” Barragán said, including restrictions on transgender student athletes, in addition to the work of redistricting that was laid out for the special. “Much if his legislative agenda got passed, but not all of it.”
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, however, is pushing for a fourth session to create stricter criminalization of voting errors and fraud, plus another push for an “election forensic audit bill.”
TX Senate just finished a strong conservative session. But more needs to be done. Senate added felony penalties for illegal voting, but the House cut to a misdemeanor. House needs to pass an election forensic audit bill. I support @GovAbbott calling us back to pass both. #txlege
— Dan Patrick (@DanPatrick) October 20, 2021
“They’re a little bit at odds,” Barragán said, adding “it doesn’t sound like another [special session] is coming eminently.”
For more from our weekly recap, including an interactive districts tool and Abbott’s controversial new Secretary of State appointment, listen to the Q&A above.
