The fourth special session of the Texas Legislature is underway after Gov. Greg Abbott announced it into session on Nov. 5. According to a press release from the Office of the Texas Governor, the agenda for the latest special session will focus on education and border security.
The third special session concluded without lawmakers passing legislation pertaining to an education savings account program and ways to criminalize illegal entry into the state from Mexico. The Austin Journal reported that the current session may have to carry on without Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who is currently recovering from viral pneumonia, according to a statement from his office.
"The governor hopes to finally deliver on school choice and secure the border after President Joe Biden purportedly refused to enforce federal immigration laws," said the release from the Office of Texas Governor. The governor expressed anticipation towards working with legislators on addressing these issues.
According to The Texas Tribune, only two out of five items were passed during a 30-day period in the third special session. It was also reported that Patrick and Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives Representative Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) continue their disagreement with each other. "Special sessions are prohibited by law to last over 30 days," as reported by The Texas Tribune.