Senator Ken Paxton
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas –This past Tuesday marked the conclusion of the first 30-day special session that Governor Rick Perry called immediately following the closing of the 83rd regular legislative session to address redistricting. Halfway into the session, Governor Perry added transportation funding, pro-life issues, and juvenile justice sentencing related legislation to the special session agenda.
Both chambers passed the redistricting legislation, which was promptly signed into law by the Governor. Late last week, the Texas House voted on and sent amended juvenile justice sentencing, legislation to protect the lives of the unborn, and transportation funding legislation back to the Senate for final passage. The Senate had less than 38 hours to vote on this legislation, with the first 24 hours reserved for reviewing House amendments in which the Senate cannot take votes on the amended bills. As a result of the timing, a filibuster by a Democratic Senator, and organized outbursts from individuals in the gallery that disrupted our proceedings, the Senate was unable to pass the legislation before the end of session deadline.
I issued the following statement upon the conclusion of the first special session:
“I am disappointed we were unable to vote on any of the key legislation that Governor Perry added to the call for the special session. Last night’s events were unprecedented in the Texas State Senate, where a mob of activists prevented an important vote.
Now it is up to the Governor to decide if we will return for another special session. I strongly urge him to call us back so that we can pass legislation supported by a majority of Texans that will protect the rights of unborn children and ensure women are given the highest standard of health care during abortion procedures. Also, with Texas’ booming population we must pass critical legislation to provide funding for highway and road construction.”
On Thursday, Governor Perry announced that a second special session would begin on July 1st to take up the unfinished business. I am pleased with his announcement and will remain vigilant in championing the conservative principles of the constituents in District 8.
