Governor Greg Abbott is cranking up the pressure on lawmakers during the current special session by adding three headline-making items to the agenda.
1. Quorum-Buster Penalties
Abbott is demanding new punishments for legislators who leave the state to dodge votes. He insists lawmakers shouldn’t be able to “hijack the important business of Texans” by fleeing during session. Critics say this move is aimed squarely at stinging House Democrats who broke quorum earlier this month.
House Speaker Dustin Burrows has already imposed $500-per-day fines and required trooper escorts for lawmakers who return late - but Abbott wants even tougher consequences, including potentially vacating the seat.
2. OTC Ivermectin Proposal
In a controversial pivot, Abbott wants to make ivermectin - typically a parasitic medicine - available over the counter in Texas pharmacies. The drug has been touted by some as a COVID-19 remedy, despite a lack of robust scientific proof.
3. Groundwater Study in East Texas
Lawmakers are instructed to conduct a groundwater study of East Texas aquifers, specifically by the Texas Water Development Board, before new permits or permit amendments are approved. This comes amid growing concern over plans to extract billions of gallons of water from Anderson County.
What Comes Next?
The special session is just three weeks away from ending - but Abbott can still add more items or call additional sessions if needed. With these new additions, he’s sending a clear message: business - or political consequences - will not be delayed.
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