State law makers return for 18 item agenda sent down by Gov. Abbott

State lawmakers have just 30 days to address 18 agenda items in hopes of aligning with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s priorities. Abbott has sent down a significant list of issues, including redistricting, the ban on THC / hemp products, the removal of STAAR testing, and the addition of flood relief and planning for the Texas Hill Country.

While the issues mentioned above are receiving a lot of media attention, there are even more controversial matters being discussed, including a proposal to prevent cities and counties from hiring lobbyists to advocate for them at the Capitol. Other topics include requiring individuals to use bathrooms that correspond with the sex assigned to them at birth and increasing restrictions on the manufacture and distribution of abortion pills.

This may be one of the most important special legislation session in recent history:

Flood Response and Preparedness

1. Improve flood warning systems in high-risk areas.

2. Strengthen emergency communications during natural disasters.

3. Provide state-level relief funds to match local and federal flood recovery efforts.

4. Streamline disaster preparedness and recovery regulations for local governments.

Education Reform

5. Eliminate the STAAR test and replace it with multiple, more frequent assessments to better track student progress and performance.

Tax and Finance

6. Reduce property tax rates and place caps on local taxing authorities.

7. Prohibit cities and counties from using public funds to hire lobbyists or lobbying firms.

Hemp-Derived THC Regulation

8. Make it a criminal offense to sell hemp-derived THC products to individuals under the age of 21.

9. Establish regulations for THC products, including potency limits and restrictions on synthetic compounds.

Redistricting and Elections

10. Redraw congressional districts across Texas, including mid-decade adjustments.

11. Expand the Texas Attorney General’s authority to independently prosecute election-related crimes.

Abortion and Health Policy

12. Strengthen restrictions on abortion-inducing medications and clarify distribution rules.

Public Safety and Property Protection

13. Shield law enforcement personnel records from public disclosure if allegations are unsubstantiated.

14. Increase legal protections against property title and deed fraud.

15. Allow local governments to reduce fees charged to builders and developers.

Schools and Community Values

16. Consider expansion of school voucher programs and increased teacher compensation.

17. Require the posting of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.

Social Policy and Bathroom Legislation

18. Require individuals to use public restrooms and changing facilities in state and local government buildings based on the sex listed on their original birth certificate.

Contact Your Lawmakers: Texans can effectively advocate for their concerns and share personal stories with their elected representatives. According to Kathy Green, director of state and federal strategy for AARP Texas and a professional with over 30 years of experience in state government, this approach is particularly impactful.

“If you have stories about the issues that affect your daily life, speak to your legislator about them,” she advised. “They need to hear these stories; they need to understand the challenges faced by people in their districts.”

It’s also important to be well-informed about the legislation, including its potential impacts and costs, as well as the specific lawmaker you are contacting. State Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, emphasized this point, noting, “For instance, don’t lobby a legislator to support a bill they authored.”

The Texas Legislature Online provides access to information about filed bills and allows you to track their progress. You can easily create a personal list of bills to follow and set up email alerts for updates on legislation. Additionally, you will receive notifications when notices of upcoming committee hearings are posted.