Gov. Abbott releases special session call

Earlier this morning, Gov. Greg Abbott issued a proclamation that includes 11 agenda items, several of which are education-related and are highlighted below:

  • Family Violence Prevention: Legislation similar to Senate Bill 1109 from the 87th Legislature, Regular Session, requiring schools to provide appropriate education to middle- and high-school students about dating violence, domestic violence, and child abuse, but that recognizes the right of parents to opt their children out of the instruction.
     
  • Youth Sports: 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.
     
  • Thirteenth Check for TRS Retirees: Legislation similar to House Bill 3507 from the 87th Legislature, Regular Session, relating to a “thirteenth check” or one-time supplemental payment of benefits under the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
     
  • Critical Race Theory: Legislation similar to House Bill 3979 concerning critical race theory as originally passed by the Texas Senate in the 87th Legislature, Regular Session.
     
  • Appropriations: Legislation providing appropriations from additional available general revenue for property-tax relief.

The special session will kick off tomorrow, July 8th at 10:00 AM.