Governor Greg Abbott is calling lawmakers back to Austin next month for a special session on nearly two dozen issues -- including a so-called bathroom bill.
“If I'm going to ask taxpayers to foot the bill for a special session, I intend to make it count,” Abbott said Tuesday.
If not Senate Bill 6, he's hoping lawmakers at least pass House Bill 2899. “At a minimum, we need a law that protects the privacy of our children in our public schools.”
“It preempts local regulations that conflict with state standards, it also upholds federal standards that prohibit discrimination,” he said of limiting what he called “overregulation” by local governments.
“Another way to avoid a patchwork quilt of conflicting local regulations is for Texas to establish a single statewide rule protecting the privacy of women and children, andHouse Bill 2899 by Rep. Ron Simmons would achieve that,” said Abbott.
The governor criticized lawmakers for not passing sunset legislation to keep certain agencies open. He's also asking for property tax reform which many believed would pass during the regular session.
“If we're going to come together and work this summer at taxpayers' expense, then let us work on relieving Texas homeowners from out of control property taxes.”
Abbott also called for school finance reform, and says he believes increasing pay will help retain teachers in Texas, while attracting more experienced teachers at the same time.
“I want legislation on my desk that increases teacher pay by $1,000.”
The special session is scheduled to begin July 18.