Final week of session begins

Texas is one of a handful of states whose legislators meet for only a finite amount of time every two years. With only 140 days in the legislative session and much of that time spent organizing each chamber's members into committees, the final day, sine die, can arrive quickly and make it seem as if there was not enough time to accomplish everything. 

As sine die approaches on June 2, legislators work to advance their bills past the final few steps of the lengthy legislative process. Calendars in both chambers become laden with bills that their authors hope will arrive at the governor's desk for his signature. With most activity taking place on the House and Senate floors, members expect long nights and weekend meetings to put the finishing touches on as many bills as possible. 

Several major education bills are still waiting for final approval among others: HB 2 by Rep. Brad Buckley (R-Salado), a school finance bill, and HB 6 by Rep. Jeff Leach (R-Plano), a school discipline bill. Both have been amended in the Senate and returned to the House; all that remains is for the House to concur with the Senate amendments, which would send the bills to Gov. Greg Abbott to be signed into law or to appoint a conference committee to hash out the differences and arrive at a final version together.

These bills are expected to be heard on the House floor soon. 

TCTA will keep you up to date with the latest developments as the session concludes.