Abbott calls lawmakers back to Austin for third special session

Palestine Herald-Press
Ali Linan CNHI Texas statehouse reporter
October 2, 2023

AUSTIN — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called on lawmakers to return to Austin for a third special session, likely focused on school choice.

In a letter sent to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dade Phelan last week, Abbott notified chamber leaders that a third special session will begin Oct. 9. The letter, first reported by The Texas Tribune, did not contain details on the focus of the session, but Abbott has said repeatedly that he intends to call a special session on implementing school choice in Texas. Only the governor has the ability to call a special session, per state law.

School choice, also referred to as vouchers, describes programs that allow for public education funds to follow students to the school of their choice, including private, religious and home-school options.

Abbott named passing school choice one of his top legislative priorities this past regular session but a bill did not move forward in the House. It failed to pass in the Texas House during the regular session. In September, Abbott called on faith leaders to help promote school choice and has since been on tour promoting the measure.

During a special session, lawmakers meet for a maximum of 30 days where they deliberate on bills only on the subject or subjects designated by the governor. The previous two special sessions, called in June and July, focused on passing property tax reform. After lawmakers failed to come to a census in the first 30 days, a second was called to continue the process. Lawmakers ultimately passed an $18 billion property tax reform bill, some of which still needs voter approval in November. Abbott previously said he is willing to call a fourth special session should school choice not pass in the first 30 days.

In June, state Sen. Roland Gutierrez, D-San Antonio, successfully amended the chamber’s property tax bill to include bonus pay for teachers, but it was removed from the final version of the bill. Abbott said in August that addressing teacher pay could also be part of the upcoming special session call.

“I have not declared yet and will not tell you today when that will be and what all the items will be on that agenda,” Abbott said previously. “(But), I am fully committed to putting forth legislation that will add even more to teacher pay raises in the state of Texas, and that may be one of the items that will be on the next special session agenda.”