Texas lawmakers are heading back to Austin after Governor Greg Abbott called a third special session.
The special session begins at 1 p.m. on Monday and will focus on issues including school choice, immigration and the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for private employers.
Governor Abbott called for the special session in an Oct. 5 proclamation that asked lawmakers to “consider and act on the following items
Legislation to provide education savings accounts for all Texas schoolchildren.
Legislation to do more to reduce illegal immigration by creating a felony for illegal entry into this state from a foreign nation and authorising all licensed peace officers to remove illegal immigrants from Texas.
Legislation to discourage illegal entry into Texas by increasing the penalties for certain criminal conduct involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house.
Legislation to discourage illegal entry into Texas by increasing funding for the construction, operation, and maintenance of border barrier infrastructure.
Legislation that addresses public safety, security, environmental quality and property rights in areas such as the Colony Ridge development in Liberty County, Texas.
Legislation to prohibit COVID-19 vaccine mandates by private employers.
The debate centres on whether taxpayer money can be used to help parents pay for private school tuition through vouchers. Opponents have argued that this takes funding away from public schools.
A special session of the Texas legislature can last no longer than 30 days. It can only deal with the subjects specified by the governor.
