THC, STAAR testing and redistricting make Abbott's special session agenda
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Abortion, THC, flood management and STAAR testing will be on a packed agenda when state lawmakers return to Austin for a special session later this month.
Why it matters: If lawmakers act on all 18 items, the legislation would have far-ranging implications for Texans.
The big picture: The Texas Legislature meets every other year. The governor has the option to call lawmakers back for special sessions and decide the agenda.
The latest: Four of the items on Gov. Greg Abbott's agenda relate to the recent flooding in Central Texas that killed at least 110 people, with 161 others still missing.
- Abbott wants lawmakers to pass legislation to improve warning and emergency communication systems in flood-prone areas throughout the state.
State of politics: Abbott's other special session priorities include property tax reform, which could limit local government spending, and congressional redistricting, which could help Republicans shore up their slim House majority in next year's midterm elections.
- The governor has called on lawmakers to pass legislation "further protecting unborn children and their mothers" from abortion. A bill pushed by anti-abortion advocates to limit abortion pills in Texas fell short during the regular session.
- Abbott also wants to eliminate the STAAR test and replace it with "effective tools to assess student progress and ensure school district accountability," per his agenda. An effort to scrap the STAAR also fell short during the regular session.
Zoom in: Abbott has disagreed with his fellow Republicans on the state's approach to THC.
- Abbott last month vetoed a Republican-led THC ban and said he wants the state to limit the potency of hemp-derived products, restricting synthetically modified compounds and boosting enforcement.
The other side: Texas Democrats say the redistricting plan would target four Democratic districts.
- "This session will be costly to Texas taxpayers and appears to serve Republican special interests rather than Texans," the Texas Democratic Party said in a statement.
What's next: The special session starts on July 21 and can last up to 30 days.
- Abbott can call more special sessions if he isn't satisfied with lawmakers' progress, but the costs would add up.