Mere hours following the conclusion of the regular legislative session, Gov. Greg Abbott announced the start of a special legislative session on property tax relief and border security
“Many critical items remain that must be passed. Several special sessions will be required. To ensure that each priority receives the time and attention it deserves to pass into law, only a few will be added each session,” said Abbott, indicating that multiple special sessions will be required.
Special Session #1 agenda items include:
- PROPERTY TAXES: Legislation to cut property-tax rates solely by reducing the school district maximum compressed tax rate in order to provide lasting property-tax relief for Texas taxpayers.
- BORDER SECURITY: Legislation solely for the purpose of increasing or enhancing the penalties for certain criminal conduct involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house.
The property tax call is notable in that it reject both the House and Senate approaches to relief, which focused on appraisal caps and homestead exemptions respectively.
The border security call also does not include language regarding a border protection unit, which has been the focus of many border security advocates.
Abbott’s call says the session begins at 9pm on Monday evening. Both chambers are expected to convene tomorrow morning to begin work.
