With the passage of Sunset Legislation out of the Senate, Governor Greg Abbott kept his promise this morning, adding 19 items to the Special Session call, and opening the doors for a more entertaining (if politics is where you find your entertainment) July and August than many of us would have expected at the start of the 85th Session.

Below is a list of the added items and, where available, any relevant public opinion data from the University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll. Links to graphics of cross-tabulations for each item is available in the links below, so, as always, feel free to share and/or use these graphics in any way you want.

Legislation to increase the average salary and benefits (including TRS-Care) of Texas teachers; and legislation to provide a more flexible and rewarding salary and benefit system for Texas teachers. (Cross-tabulation graphics can be found here.)

Legislation establishing a statewide commission to study and recommend improvements to the current public school finance system; and other legislation relating to school finance, including Additional State Aid for Tax Reduction (ASATR). (Cross-tabulation graphics can be found here and here.)

 

Legislation to empower parents of children with special needs or educational disadvantages to choose an educational provider that is best for their child. (Cross-tabulation graphics can be found here.)

Legislation reforming the laws governing ad valorem property taxes. (Cross-tabulation graphics can be found here.)

Legislation using population growth and inflation to establish a spending limit for state government. (Cross-tabulation graphics can be found here.)

Legislation using population growth and inflation to establish a spending limit for political subdivisions.

Legislation protecting the private property rights of land owners from political subdivision rules, regulations, or ordinances that interfere with, delay, or restrict private property owners’ ability to use or enjoy their property.

Legislation expediting the issuance of permits by political subdivisions and reforming the laws governing the issuance of permits by political
subdivisions.

Legislation preventing political subdivisions from imposing on private property additional or enhanced regulations that did not exist at the time the property was acquired.

(Cross-tabulation graphics can be found here and here.)

Legislation preempting local regulation of the use of hand-held mobile communication devices while driving. (Cross-tabulation graphics can be found here.)

Legislation regarding the use of multi-occupancy showers, locker rooms, restrooms, and changing rooms. (Cross-tabulation graphics can be found here.)

Legislation prohibiting financial transactions between a governmental entity and an abortion provider or affiliate of the abortion provider.

Legislation restricting health plan and health benefit plan coverage for abortions.

Legislation strengthening the laws applicable to the reporting of abortions and abortion complications to the State. (Cross-tabulation graphics can be found here.)

Legislation enhancing the detection, prosecution, and elimination of mail-in ballot fraud. (Cross-tabulation graphics can be found here, here, here, here, and here.)

The other items:

Legislation prohibiting state or local government entities from deducting labor union or employee organization membership fees or dues from the wages of public employees. 

Legislation enhancing patient protections contained in the procedures and requirements for do-not-resuscitate orders.

Legislation continuing the operation and expanding the duties of the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force to ensure action is taken to reduce the maternal mortality rate in Texas.

Legislation adjusting the scheduling of Sunset Commission review of state agencies.