Legislators back in Austin for Contentious Special Session on Bathrooms and Taxes

AUSTIN, TX – Texas lawmakers return to Austin today to tackle unfinished business from their 140 day regular session. 

Texas Governor Greg Abbott called the special session and recently said property tax relief is his number one priority.  “We are hearing stories about people who are being taxed out of their homes because of rising property taxes. You don’t really own your home, it seems like it’s the appraisers. That must stop.” 

Abbott called the special session because lawmakers failed to pass legislation that would keep some critical state agencies going including the Texas Medical Board which licenses doctors. 

While Lt. Governor Dan Patrick supports the governor’s “bathroom bill” defining which public bathrooms transgender persons can use, House speaker Joe Straus opposes the measure. 

Abbott told a group of conservatives Monday that he will keep and publish a list lawmakers who oppose his agenda of 20 items to be discussed in the special session. 

The governor’s list includes a $1,000 pay raise for teachers using local funds, property tax reform, and private school vouchers for special needs students. 

State Representative Drew Darby of San Angelo has filed a number of bills in the special session focusing on school property tax relief and teacher pay.