Update on the 85th Legislative Session from Representative Poncho Nevárez

(Press Release) With the end of session just around the corner, the tension between the two chambers is building. The one bill that we are required to pass each session is the budget. Each chamber has passed their version of the budget and a conference committee was appointed to work out the differences. Lieutenant Governor Patrick called on the House to pass the “bathroom bill” and a property tax reduction bill, otherwise there will be a special session. As the leader of the Senate, the Lieutenant Governor can force the Governor to call a special session if the Senate does not agree to pass the budget. The conference committee reached an agreement on the budget late on Saturday night. There are still rumors that the Lieutenant Governor wants a special session and the conference committee report still needs to be approved by each chamber.

One of the most emotional days this session was the day the republicans in the Texas House passed the “sanctuary cities” legislation. After 16 hours of debate, Senate Bill 4 passed the House 93 – 54 with a party lines vote. Members of the House shared personal stories of family members coming to the United States as immigrants, including Representative Ana Hernandez who came to the US as a small child herself. The bill passed with a controversial amendment that will allow officers to question the immigration status of people they legally detain, rather than inquiring status only during a lawful arrest.

There have been many late nights at the Capitol. May 11th at midnight was the deadline for House Bills to be heard on the House Floor on second reading. First reading occurs before a bill is sent to committee. When the clock struck midnight, every bill left on the calendar died.  Friday the 12th was the last day for third reading of House Bills. Third reading requires a higher threshold for amendments on the House Floor. After a bill passes third reading in the House, then it goes to the Senate. Next Tuesday the 23rd is the last day for second reading of Senate Bills on the House floor & Wednesday is the last day for their third reading. Next weekend the conference committees assigned to each bill work on the differences between House and Senate versions of bills that have passed. Monday the 29th is the last day of the 85th Legislative Session. If a special session is called by the Governor, it will last 30 days. During special sessions only items designated by the Governor may be debated.

With the 85th Legislative Session coming to a close, Representative Nevárez is working hard to finish the session strong and pass his remaining bills. The Representative congratulates all high school and college graduates from House District 74. The Representative also wishes all the mothers of House District 74 a happy belated Mother’s Day.

Please reach out to our Capitol office with any concerns or opinions about state legislation or if we can assist you in any issues with a state agency. Please reach out in advance if you would like to visit the Capitol so that the office can assist with planning a tour. The Capitol office phone number is 512-463-0566.