A second special session of the Texas Legislature began immediately at noon today after House Democrats ended the first special session early by breaking quorum over congressional redistricting.
Democrats have indicated they will return this weekend, with the House scheduled to reconvene Monday—this time with a quorum expected.
Gov. Greg Abbott kept the agenda largely the same as the first session, which was abruptly halted by Democrats’ absence.
“Delinquent House Democrats ran away from their responsibility to pass crucial legislation to benefit the lives of Texans,” said Abbott. “Because of their dereliction of duty, Texas families and communities impacted by the catastrophic Fourth of July flooding have been delayed critical resources for relief and recovery. Numerous other bills to cut property taxes, support human trafficking survivors, eliminate the STAAR test, establish commonsense THC regulations, and many others have all been brought to a halt because Democrats refuse to show up for work. We will not back down from this fight. That’s why I am calling them back today to finish the job. I will continue to use all necessary tools to ensure Texas delivers results for Texans.”
House Speaker Dustin Burrows also announced that legislation to allow ivermectin sales over the counter authored by State Rep. Joanne Shofner (R–Nacogdoches) would be given priority status after it gained majority support in the chamber through coauthors.
Shofner told Texas Scorecard she was grateful and thankful for the bill’s inclusion.
“Many other states already have this legislation. Texas is next!!” said Shofner. “When passed, this will be another feather in the cap of ‘Make Texas Healthy Again’, medical freedom and a conservative win!”
Michelle Evans, political director for Texans for Vaccine Choice, also praised the move.
After a widely-circulated petition was delivered to the governor last month, followed by Team TFVC locking arms with Representative Joanne Shofner to pound the pavement and garner lawmakers’ support, the Texas Legislature has heard the voices of thousands of Texans who believe that ivermectin should be available without a prescription! House Speaker Dustin Burrows rightfully commended Rep. Shofner for her persistence and dedication to medical liberty, and we are grateful that he has recognized the need for a policy change in this area. We look forward to helping this policy become law.
Abbott has not added the issue to the special session call yet, though he has indicated he is open to expanding it.
With Democrats signaling their return and Abbott determined to keep pressure on the chamber, lawmakers will have another chance next week to tackle a slate of stalled legislation.
