Gavel to Gavel: School Choice Legislation on the Move

Howdy!

The second week of the 89th Legislative Session has been relatively uneventful in both chambers, but the Texas Senate is already moving legislation forward. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick unveiled several of his top legislative priorities, while key issues like the proposed state budget for the 2026-27 fiscal biennium and a bill to establish Education Savings Accounts in Texas are already making progress.

Meanwhile, Texas House lawmakers submitted their committee assignment preferences earlier this week and are expected to receive their official assignments soon—likely after Gov. Greg Abbott delivers his State of the State Address on Sunday. In his address, Abbott is expected to unveil his emergency items and key legislative priorities for the session.

You’ll find all this and more in this week’s newsletter—let’s dive in!

For Liberty, For Texas

Jeramy D. Kitchen
President, Texas Policy Research


Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Unveils Legislative Priorities for Texas’ 89th Session

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has announced his key priorities for the upcoming 89th Texas Legislative Session, focusing on issues such as border security, property tax relief, and school choice. His agenda signals a continuation of conservative policy goals, including measures to strengthen election integrity, expand parental rights in education, and further limit the influence of ESG investing in state finances. While Patrick’s priorities align with Gov. Abbott’s push for school choice, other issues—such as potential tax reform and restrictions on local government authority—are expected to face resistance from some House Republicans. As the session approaches, these proposals will shape key debates and test the unity of Texas’ GOP-led legislature.

89th Session “Cheat-Sheets”

Need quick access to lawmaker contact info? We’ve got you covered! Check out our two printable “cheat sheets,” packed with all the details you need to stay connected with your Texas Capitol lawmakers.

Stay informed and engaged—download them now!


Other Recent Content

Texas Senate Committee Advances School Choice Legislation

  • The Texas Senate Education Committee has advanced a bill that would establish Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), allowing parents to use state funds for private schooling or other educational expenses. This move marks a significant step in the ongoing school choice debate in Texas, with proponents arguing that it empowers families while opponents fear it could divert resources from public schools.
  • While the bill has gained traction in the Senate, its fate in the Texas House remains uncertain, where past school choice efforts have faced strong resistance. The debate highlights a divide between conservative lawmakers, with rural Republicans often siding with Democrats in opposition. Governor Greg Abbott has made school choice a legislative priority, signaling that the fight is far from over.

Legislative Spotlight: Protecting Businesses from ESG
and Social Credit Score Discrimination

  • Senate Bill 946 seeks to prevent financial institutions and other entities from using Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores or social credit systems to discriminate against Texas businesses. Supporters argue that ESG metrics are being weaponized to push political agendas and limit access to banking and investment opportunities for industries like oil and gas, firearms, and agriculture.
  • The bill reflects a broader effort in Texas to counteract financial policies that penalize businesses based on ideological factors rather than economic viability. Similar legislation has gained traction in other conservative states, signaling a growing movement to protect free enterprise from politicized financial gatekeeping. However, critics warn that such measures could interfere with private market decisions and invite legal challenges.

Legislative Spotlight: Abolition of Abortion Legislation Filed in House

  • A newly filed bill in the Texas House seeks to classify abortion as homicide, effectively banning the procedure without exceptions. The legislation goes beyond Texas’ current pro-life laws by removing exemptions for medical necessity and explicitly granting legal personhood to unborn children. Supporters argue that this is the logical next step in protecting life, while opponents warn of legal and ethical challenges.
  • While Texas has some of the strictest abortion laws in the country, this bill is expected to face significant opposition, even within the Republican-controlled legislature. Previous efforts to fully abolish abortion have struggled to gain traction due to concerns over enforcement, legal ramifications, and potential conflicts with federal law. The bill’s introduction, however, signals that the debate over abortion policy in Texas is far from settled.

In Case You Missed It

Texas Dementia Research Institute:
Costly Legislative Priority or Strategic Investment?

  • The Texas Legislature is considering the creation of a state-funded Dementia Research Institute, with proponents arguing it would position Texas as a leader in Alzheimer’s and dementia research. The initiative is framed as an investment in medical innovation and economic development, with potential long-term benefits for healthcare and job creation.
  • Critics raise concerns about the cost and whether such an initiative aligns with the principles of limited government. With billions already allocated to higher education and research initiatives, skeptics question whether the state should be funding a new research entity rather than leaving such efforts to private institutions or federal grants. The debate highlights broader tensions over Texas’ budget priorities and the role of government in medical research.

A Taxing Comparison: How Texas Stacks Up Against Other States

  • Texas prides itself on having no state income tax, but its reliance on property and sales taxes places a heavy financial burden on residents and businesses. Compared to other states, Texas ranks high in property tax rates, which critics argue undermines the state’s reputation as a low-tax environment. Supporters counter that the overall tax burden remains competitive due to the absence of an income tax.
  • While Texas remains a magnet for businesses and new residents due to its tax-friendly reputation, concerns over high property taxes and local tax increases persist. The report highlights how other states structure their tax systems and raises the question of whether Texas should consider reforms to reduce the impact of property taxes while maintaining its economic advantage.

Upcoming Committee Hearing Schedules

Texas Senate

💰 Committee on Finance:

All hearings are on various articles/programs listed under Senate Bill 1, the proposed FY2026-27 State Budget


🤝 Committee on Business & Commerce:

Organizational Meeting


🚜 Committee on Water, Ag. & Rural Affairs:

Organizational Meeting & Testimony from agencies under jurisdiction

Texas House

Awaiting Committee Assignments


Pre-Filed Legislation Summaries

  • We have read through all of the pre-filed legislation for the upcoming 89th Legislative Session. While lawmakers will continue filing new bills—and we’ll continue analyzing them—we’ve already compiled summaries of each piece of legislation to give you a head start. These summaries are just the beginning as we gear up for our next round of in-depth policy analysis and prepare our first floor reports once the session is underway.

Upcoming Events

Texas Policy Research is proud to partner with organizations and groups across Texas to share insights and expertise. Here’s where you can find us next:

  • Irving Republican Women Meeting
    • When: Monday, February 10th, 2025 at 6:30 pm
    • Where: Valley Centre, 9901 E. Valley Ranch Parkway, Irving, TX 75063
    • Topic(s): Engaging the Texas Legislature & 89th Legislative Session Update
  • RED Texas Forum
    • When: Thursday, May 15th, 2025 at 7:30 pm
    • Where: La Prada Church of Christ, 2724 La Prada Dr., Mesquite, TX 75150
    • Topic(s): Texas Legislative Process & 89th Legislative Session Update

Want a Speaker at Your Event?

Bring Texas Policy Research to your next event! Our team is available to speak on a variety of topics, including the Texas legislative process, engaging with lawmakers, and policy updates. Submit your request today here.


Legislative Countdowns

Bill Filing Deadline: 43 Days
89th Legislative Session Ends: 123 Days


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