The Texas Senate is working ahead of schedule on its priority legislation, expecting to pass all key bills and send them to the House by mid-April, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick announced during a recent press conference in Austin. Of the 40 priority bills he highlighted, 29 have already moved through the Senate, with the remainder anticipated by April 15. "I have confidence in Speaker Burrows," Patrick stated, adding, "everything he has said, I would say we’re singing from the same song book." With 60 days left in the current session, the Legislature must complete its work or face potential special sessions.
Among the priority bills, a significant water plan, SB 7, was passed, aimed at addressing water needs in Texas through to the end of the century. Sponsored by Lubbock Senator Charles Perry, this bill proposes a $1 billion annual fund for projects to expand fresh water supplies across Texas. "That’s kind of the magic behind Senate Bill 7; it’s that coordinated approach," said Perry, emphasizing a unified plan across all 254 counties.
On Monday, the Senate approved two bills concerning citizenship. SB 6, by Georgetown Senator Charles Schwertner, mandates cooperation of sheriff’s departments in the state's largest counties with federal immigration authorities under the 287(g) program, expanding the current number from 16 to all 40 counties. SB 8, introduced by Bryan Hughes from Mineola, requires proof of citizenship for voter registration to prevent non-citizens from registering. This requires documents like a birth certificate, U.S. passport, or naturalization papers to be submitted with the form, and criminalizes fraudulent registration.
Furthermore, on Thursday, the Senate passed a measure from Senator Brandon Creighton aimed at improving classroom environments under the so-called “Texas Teacher Bill of Rights.” SB 27 offers teachers the authority to remove disruptive students, imposing a requirement for a return-to-class plan approved by involved school officials and the respective teacher. Creighton highlighted the importance of such measures in addressing teacher concerns about discipline, "Texas lawmakers are standing with our Texas teachers, we’re sending a powerful message that we hear you, and we’re taking action."
With ongoing progress, the legislative body continues its efforts to complete its objectives within the set timeline.
