Bond reform, tax relief added to special session agenda by Gov. Abbott

The Texas governor is adding two items to his agenda for the third special session. Governor Greg Abbott submitted a message to the Secretary of the Senate earlier today about the new agenda items related to property-tax relief and a constitutional amendment addressing bail changes. 

"These two additional agenda items are crucial to improving the quality of life for all Texans," said Governor Abbott. "I look forward to working with my partners in the Legislature to pass these additional items that will lower property taxes and keep Texans safe."

Additional agenda items for the third special session: 

  • Legislation providing additional property-tax relief for Texans.
  • Legislation proposing a constitutional amendment to further protect the safety of the community, law enforcement, and victims, from accused criminals who may be released on bail, including by giving magistrates the discretion to deny bail under some circumstances to people accused of certain violent, sexual, or trafficking offenses.

Abbott highlighted five agenda items in his proclamation earlier this month, including tackling redistricting, setting restrictions on transgender student-athletes, and allocating federal COVID-19 relief funds amid the ongoing pandemic

Agenda items previously highlighted by Abbott:

  1. Legislation relating to the apportionment of the State of Texas into districts used to elect members of the Texas House of Representatives, the Texas Senate, the State Board of Education, and the United States House of Representatives.
  2. Legislation providing appropriations from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), Pub. L. No. 117-2.
  3. Legislation identical to Senate Bill 29 as passed by the Texas Senate in the 87th Legislature, Regular Session, disallowing a student from competing in University Interscholastic League athletic competitions designated for the sex opposite to the student's sex at birth.
  4. Legislation regarding whether any state or local governmental entities in Texas can mandate that an individual receive a COVID-19 vaccine and, if so, what exemptions should apply to such mandate.
  5. Legislation similar to Senate Bill 474 as passed by the 87th Legislature, Regular Session, but that addresses the concerns expressed in the governor's veto statement.

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