Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Calls Special Legislative Session

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called what is expected to be several special legislative sessions.

The first session began early this week and calls for the legislators to pass multiple bills.

The bills cover border security and property tax relief.

The special sessions were called just after the 88th Texas Legislature adjourned sine die.

"Governor Abbott said that despite many good bills being passed in the regular session of the legislature, that more must be done," according to Breitbart.

"Many critical items remain that must be passed. Several special sessions will be required," Abbott said. "To ensure that each priority receives the time and attention it deserves to pass into law, only a few will be added each session."

Abbott said human smuggling and reduction in property taxes will be the focus of the sessions.

Both items were designated by Abbott as emergency items in the regular 140-day session.

When the governor calls special sessions, the legislature cannot move on to other issues. They must address the issues in the governor's special session call.

During called special sessions, the legislature is restricted to only address issues in the governor’s call. The items for the first special session include:

PROPERTY TAXES: Legislation to cut property-tax rates solely by reducing the school district maximum compressed tax rate in order to provide lasting property-tax relief for Texas taxpayers.

BORDER SECURITY: Legislation solely for the purpose of increasing or enhancing the penalties for certain criminal conduct involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house.
The governor listed the passage of several key bills he intends to sign into law.

"Governor Abbott is expected to call several additional special sessions throughout the summer to deal with emergency items not passed during the regular session," Breitbart reported.