While the Texas House has continued to move at a slower pace, Gov. Greg Abbott has announced plans to deliver his State of the State Address on the evening of Sunday, February 2.
Following a pattern from his recent addresses, the speech will be broadcast statewide, providing an opportunity for Texans to hear his legislative priorities.
This year’s address, scheduled for the 20th day of the session, is earlier than the previous session’s speech, which took place on the 38th day. Abbott stated, “Texas is the blueprint for America’s future. This 89th Legislative Session brings new opportunities for the Texas Legislature and statewide leaders to strengthen our national and global position as the beacon of economic opportunity, prosperity, and individual liberty.”
“From becoming the eighth largest economy in the world to safeguarding the freedoms that make Texas great, we are working tirelessly to accomplish what seems impossible. Working together, we will continue to build a stronger Texas for generations,” he added.
The State of the State Address is a significant event, as it allows the governor to outline his emergency items—issues he prioritizes for immediate legislative action. The legislature is generally prohibited from passing bills during the first 60 days of the session, but exceptions are made for the governor’s emergency items.
This year, March 15 marks the 60th day of the session—which only lasts 140 days.
Abbott has not yet announced which issues will be designated as emergency items, but school choice is expected to be a priority. The Senate has already scheduled a committee hearing on a school choice proposal for Tuesday, preceding the governor’s address. The House, meanwhile, has been progressing at a slower pace, having just passed its rules last Thursday and not yet assigning committees.
The address is scheduled for Sunday, February 2 at 5 p.m.
