Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has announced the agenda for the third legislative special session. It is slated to begin on Monday at 1 p.m.
“I am bringing the Texas Legislature back for Special Session #3 to continue building on the achievements we accomplished during the 88th Regular Legislative Session and two special sessions this summer,” said Abbott.
The agenda items are as follows:
- Education Freedom: Legislation providing education savings accounts for all Texas school children.
- Border Security:
- Legislation to do more to reduce illegal immigration by creating a criminal offense for illegal entry into this state from a foreign nation and authorizing all licensed peace officers to remove illegal immigrants from Texas.
- Legislation to impede illegal entry into Texas by increasing the penalties for criminal conduct involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house.
- Legislation to impede illegal entry into Texas by providing more funding for the construction, operation, and maintenance of border barrier infrastructure.
- Public Safety: Legislation concerning public safety, security, environmental quality, and property ownership in areas like the Colony Ridge development in Liberty County, Texas.
- Ending COVID Restrictions: Legislation prohibiting COVID-19 vaccine mandates by private employers.
In addition to the expected school choice legislation, Abbott said:
“Texas will also pass laws to mirror the federal immigration laws President Joe Biden refuses to enforce that will reduce illegal immigration and enhance the safety of Texans. For the first time ever, Texas will subject people to arrest for illegal entry into our state from a foreign nation. All licensed law enforcement officers in Texas will be authorized to arrest or remove any person who illegally enters the State, with penalties up to 20 years in prison for refusing to comply with removal. To crack down on repeated attempts to enter Texas illegally, re-entry will be penalized with up to 20 years in prison.”
Legislation to increase penalties for human smuggling and operating a stash house was killed in both the regular 88th Legislative Session and first special session.
Medical liberty advocates have also been demanding an end to COVID-19 vaccine mandates by private employers, a topic Abbott has also included on the call.
The Third Special Legislative Session will begin on Monday, October 9.
