- Texas lawmakers sent 21 bills to Governor Abbott’s desk during the special session that ended last week
- Several key conservative priority bills were passed, including Congressional redistricting, the Woman and Child Protection Act, the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, and a bill giving the Attorney General jurisdiction to prosecute election offenses.
- Governor Abbott is expected to sign all these measures into law
The second special session of the 89th Legislature came to a close last week, with lawmakers sending 21 bills to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk. While several of those bills – such as ones dealing with camp safety, disaster relief, human trafficking, and the Texas court system- passed with strong bipartisan support, the session also saw the passage of several key pieces of conservative priority legislation.
Congressional Redistricting
The “Big, Beautiful Map,” supported by President Trump and passed by Texas lawmakers, was at the forefront of national headlines, in large part due to the quorum bust by House Democrats that derailed the previous special session. Designed to flip as many as five Texas Congressional seats to Republicans, House Bill 4 was signed by Governor Abbott on August 29.
“Texas is now more red in the United States Congress,” said Governor Abbott in a video upon signing the new Congressional map into law.
Cracking Down on Abortion-Inducing Drugs
House Bill 7, by State Representative Jeff Leach and sponsored by State Senator Bryan Hughes, creates new penalties against those who manufacture or distribute an abortion-inducing drug in Texas and those who “mail, transport, deliver, prescribe, or provide an abortion-inducing drug in any manner to or from any person or location” in Texas.
The bill, known as the “Woman and Child Protection Act”, provides for private civil enforcement of the law, with violators being liable for penalties of at least $100,000.
Upon final passage of the bill, Leach said, “From the very beginning, this bill has been about protecting women, defending the unborn, and ensuring that those who traffic dangerous abortion drugs into our state are held accountable.
Texas is — and will continue to be — a national leader in the fight for life. I’m grateful for my colleagues, pro-life advocates, and countless Texans who never gave up in this fight. Special thanks to [Senator Bryan Hughes] for carrying this important bill across the finish line. Together, we are standing strong for the most vulnerable among us!”
Quorum-Busting for Cash is Now Banned
When Texas House Democrats absconded to Illinois and other out-of-state locations to deny a quorum, they were quick to solicit funds to support their activities through the House Democratic Caucus. Under House Bill 18, by State Representative Matt Shaheen, this activity will now be prohibited.
Shaheen’s legislation bans legislators who are breaking quorum and legislative caucuses that are supporting or assisting legislators who are breaking quorum from accepting political contributions in excess of the legislative per diem (currently $221) or making any political expenditures for travel, food, or lodging in connection with their unexcused absence.
Ivermectin to be Available Over the Counter
Texans will soon be able to obtain Ivermectin from a pharmacist without a prescription under House Bill 25, authored by State Representative Joanne Shofner.
Protecting Women’s Private Spaces
Senate Bill 8, the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, requires Texas state agencies and political subdivisions to ensure that single sex private spaces under their control, such as restrooms and locker rooms, are not used by members of the opposite sex. Authored by State Senator Mayes Middleton and sponsored by State Representative Angelia Orr, the bill was a priority for many conservative activists.
“Today we fought the woke left’s gender ideology — and won. No more men in women’s private spaces in Texas. Our great state will not bend to the left’s delusions, and with the passage of SB 8 we are ensuring the safety of all the daughters and future daughters of Texas,” said Middleton upon the bill’s passage in the Texas House.
Attorney General Prosecution of Election Crimes
Senate Bill 12, by State Senator Bryan Hughes and sponsored by State Representative Matt Shaheen, gives the Texas Attorney General jurisdiction to prosecute election crimes. Under the bill, law enforcement agencies will be required to provide reports to the Attorney General’s office when the agency has determined there to be probable cause that an individual has committed a criminal election offense, and the Attorney General is given the duty to represent the state in the criminal prosecution of election offenses.
Conservative advocacy organizations applauded the passage of Senate Bill 12.
“Promises Made. Promises Kept. Election fraud threatens our democracy, and Texas refuses to stand by.
With SB 12, Texas is taking a stand for election integrity. This bill gives the Attorney General the power to prosecute election fraud, secure our elections, and ensure only legal votes decide Texas’s future.
Texans deserve fair, transparent, and trustworthy elections, and the Texas House is delivering. Thank you, Governor [Greg Abbott] and Speaker [Dustin Burrows], for prioritizing this critical legislation,” said the Texas Freedom Alliance.
