June 29, 2025
NEWS DIGEST
by Brandon Waltens
Good morning,
Gov. Greg Abbott has announced that a special session of the Texas Legislature will begin on Monday, July 21, after he signed 1,155 bills and vetoed 26 others from the 89th Regular Legislative Session.
“All seven of Governor Abbott’s emergency priorities were passed and signed into law,” his office noted, including measures on property tax relief, teacher pay raises, school choice, and the creation of the Texas Cyber Command.
“Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, and the Texas House and Senate worked hard to send critical legislation to my desk,” Abbott said. “This session has seen monumental success, but there is more we can do.”
Among the items up for reconsideration in the upcoming special session are several bills Abbott vetoed or let pass without his signature that he says he would like to see improved. Those include:
Senate Bill 3 – regulating consumable THC products
Senate Bill 648 – recording requirements for real estate documents
Senate Bill 1253 – water project impact fees
Senate Bill 1278 – protections for trafficking victims
Senate Bill 1758 – regulating cement kilns near semiconductor plants
Senate Bill 2878– judicial branch administration reforms
Special sessions can only be called by the governor on issues he chooses and can last up to 30 days at a time.
Featured
Voters across Texas will have the opportunity this November to approve or reject 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution covering issues ranging from property tax exemptions to bail reform.
The propositions were approved during the regular legislative session and now head to the people for final approval, as required for all constitutional amendments in Texas.
On Wednesday, the secretary of state’s office randomly assigned the order of the 17 proposals.
Real Texans
In this edition of REAL TEXANS, we visit with Paul Brown about the founding of his Texas-based luxury watch company, Wasson Watch. He also discusses the importance of faith in business and how he became a Marine.
New interviews with REAL TEXANS every Sunday!
State
Texas Agency Orders Universities To Disclose Illegal Alien Students
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s directive follows a June 4 ruling that illegal aliens cannot receive in-state tuition in Texas.
Texas GOP Chairman Warns Trump Against Backing ‘Fake Republicans
Abraham George says the battle is about defining the future of the Republican Party in Texas and nationwide.
Pro-Life Coalition Urges Abbott to Add Abortion Pill Ban To Special Session
The group argues that while mailing or administering abortion pills in Texas is already illegal, enforcement tools are lacking—particularly when it comes to out-of-state actors.
Local
Harris County Agencies Reportedly Spent Millions With No Paper Trail
Last year, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said the Harris County Toll Road Authority, Engineering Department, and Flood Control District had procurement issues.
Williamson County Officials Vote to Switch to Hand-Marked Ballots
To comply with President Donald Trump’s executive order, the commissioners voted to use ballot-on-demand printers for this year’s general election.
Prosecutors Seek Cell Phone of Student Solicited for Sex by Elgin ISD Coach
Coach Devin Anderson was charged last year with having an illicit sexual “relationship” with a female student.
Federal
US Supreme Court Upholds Texas Age-Verification Law for Online Porn Sites
The Court found that the law is a constitutionally permissible exercise of the state’s authority to protect children from sexually explicit content.
US Justice Department Drops Investigation Into EPIC City
Federal law enforcement officials are not bringing forth any lawsuits or charges over the planned Muslim community in North Texas.
Federal Court Vacates Injunction Against Arkansas THC Ban
Gov. Greg Abbott had cited the court challenge to this law as a reason for vetoing a similar proposed ban in Texas.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Join the conversation with Texas Scorecard on any or all of our social media accounts!
The Texas Scorecard Journalism Fellowship is a comprehensive program designed for conservative Texans under the age of 25 with an interest in public policy, effective civic engagement, political accountability, and Texas history.
