Abbott announces plans for second special session

Governor Abbott issued a proclamation Thursday announcing he will convene a second special legislative session on August 7 to tackle 17 agenda items. The first special session was set to address some of these agenda items but was stalled after House Democrats left the state for Washington D.C. creating a lack of quorum, halting the legislature’s ability to do business. The walkout by House Democrats was to protest the Republican-led push for changes in the state’s voting laws.

“The Texas Legislature achieved a great deal during the 87th Legislative Session, and they have the responsibility to finish the work that was started,” Abbott said. “I will continue to call special session after special session to reform our broken bail system, uphold election integrity, and pass other important items that Texans demand and deserve.”

The current session ends this weekend and Texas Democrats said Tuesday they are holding out to thwart SB1 filed at the state Capitol, hoping their east coast trip will push Congress to change federal voting law to preempt the Texas proposal. House Democrats also added they plan to take each day one at a time.