As grassroots conservatives from around the state demand that lawmakers return to Austin to pass the Lone Star Agenda, a package of conservative reforms to be passed during a special session intended to unite voters ahead of the upcoming elections, State Rep. Steve Toth (R–The Woodlands) is asking Gov. Greg Abbott to do exactly that.
“I respectfully ask you to call a special session to select a new Speaker of the House and to address the legislative priorities of conservative Texans outlined in the Lone Star Agenda,” Toth said in a letter to Abbott on Friday.
The Lone Star Agenda includes the following 11 items:
1. Allow families to make mental and physical health decisions for themselves.
2. Stop wrongful removal of children from families by restoring due process rights for parents.
3. Stop local ordinances that interfere in private employer-employee relationships.
4. Increase protections for unborn Texans.
5. Improve election integrity (paper ballot backup audit trail; citizenship verification).
6. End taxpayer-funded lobbying.
7. End union dues withholding from public sector paychecks.
8. Protect Texas monuments.
9. Secure the southern border (interior enforcement to end the “magnet” effect).
10. Stop human trafficking.
11. Protect the rights of Texans to bear arms.
Toth ended the letter by imploring Abbott to schedule the session ahead of the primary elections in March, adding, “Texans need an ethical and active Speaker to take over the leadership of the Texas House of Representatives.”
In calling for a special session to address the Lone Star Agenda, Toth is so far joined by State Reps. Jonathan Stickland (R–Bedford), Tony Tinderholt (R–Arlington), and State Sen. Bob Hall (R–Edgewood). State Rep. Kyle Biedermann (R–Fredericksburg) put out a statement last week saying he supports the agenda and would file bills in a special session if one were called, although he did not demand one.
Abbott has so far been silent on the issue.
Citizens who desire to see these conservative reforms become reality are encouraged to contact their state lawmakers to see whether they support a special session for the Lone Star Agenda.
