Tuesday marked the first day that Texas lawmakers could file bills for the upcoming legislative session, and they wasted no time submitting a record-breaking 1,500 bills in the initial filing period. Staffers were even camping out behind the Senate chamber in order to file early, giving a glimpse into the issues plaguing the Lone Star State before the 89th legislative session convenes in 2025. The bills cover a wide range of topics, including abortion, border security, restrictions on undocumented students receiving in-state tuition, proof of citizenship to register to vote, and ways to lower or eliminate property taxes.
While it is not uncommon for lawmakers to file thousands of bills during a session, many of these bills never make it to the governor’s desk. The lowest bill numbers are given to the highest priority bills set by the House speaker and lieutenant governor, highlighting their importance. Although Republicans flipping control in the House and Senate will undoubtedly impact the upcoming legislative session, many Republican lawmakers have not yet filed their bills. Despite this, Texas is expecting to have a surplus of $20 billion at the start of the 2025 session, which will fund any new mandates.
The focus on election-related bills is particularly notable, with Republicans looking at ways to ensure voting integrity in the state. This comes after Texas announced that over 1 million ineligible voters had been removed from the voting rolls since the last presidential election. The emphasis on proof of citizenship to register to vote and other related measures underscores the importance of election security for Texas lawmakers. With the upcoming changes in party control, it will be interesting to see how these proposals play out during the legislative session.
The sheer number and variety of bills filed in the early stages of the legislative session hint at the numerous challenges and priorities facing Texas lawmakers. Issues such as property taxes, abortion, and border security are likely to dominate the agenda in the coming months. While some bills may not make it past the initial filing stage, the early rush to file bills demonstrates the eagerness of lawmakers to address these critical issues. With the state comptroller projecting a significant surplus for the upcoming session, lawmakers will have the resources to address these challenges effectively.
The filing of bills at the beginning of the legislative session provides a roadmap for the priorities and concerns of Texas lawmakers. From tax reform to border security to election integrity, the bills filed reflect the diverse set of issues facing the state. While some proposals may face opposition or never make it to the governor’s desk, the filing process allows lawmakers to start the conversation on these important topics. As Texas gears up for the 2025 legislative session, the record-breaking number of bills filed sets the stage for a busy and productive session ahead.
In conclusion, the filing of a record number of bills at the start of the legislative session highlights the urgency and importance of addressing key issues in Texas. From election security to property taxes, lawmakers are tackling a wide range of topics that will shape the state’s future. With a surplus of $20 billion projected for the upcoming session, lawmakers have the resources to enact meaningful change. As Texas prepares for the 2025 legislative session, the early filing of bills sets the stage for a productive and busy period of lawmaking.
