Texas Government Relations Update

		## June 2023

	
		## Read Gov. Relations Consultant Ryan Brannan's update below.

	
	*The information below is confidential and access is restricted so that only ARAWC members can access.*

Please do not share the contents of the member updates below or the password to access this page.

“A Legislative Vietnam” is how one political pundit recently summarized the current state of affairs in Texas politics, and he may have a point.

The Texas legislature adjourned the 88th regular session on May 29th at around 6:15pm, but the interim only lasted about 3 hours.

Governor Abbott announced shortly afterwards the first called special session - on property taxes and border security - would begin at 9:00pm on May 29th. The very next day, the Texas House of Representatives passed legislation the Governor requested and then adjourned, telling the Senate they could either pass the House bills or pass nothing

This has resulted in public infighting between the Texas Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the Texas House. The Governor’s veto period just ended and he vetoed 77 bills, more vetoes than any session going back to 2001, upsetting legislators even more at a time when neither chamber can agree on proposed reforms.

Adding more to the situation, the first special legislative session ended earlier this week, on Tuesday, June 27th around 1pm. Shortly after the first session had adjourned, Governor Abbott announced the second legislative session would begin at 3pm the same day, with just two hours between special sessions.

The subtext of his announcement, which you can read here, is understood by both the Texas Senate and the Texas House: Gov. Abbott is not happy with their failure to produce meaningful property tax reform, and legislation to reduce or eliminate certain property taxes will be the focus of the agenda for the 2nd special legislative session of the year. It’s also understood that Gov. Abbott will continue to be motivated in calling them until he’s shown the legislation he’s looking for.

Thus far there has been no special session focused on policy that impacts responsible alternatives to workers’ compensation in Texas. However, your government relations team is watching closely to ensure ARAWC members are not negatively impacted by any of the legislation in these special sessions, and we will continue to update you as this unfolds.