AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- After a whirlwind final weekend, the regular session of the 88th Texas Legislature has come to an end - without Republicans being able to strike a deal on property tax reform using the state's historic budget surplus.
Both chambers adjourned sine die Monday evening after 6 p.m., with both House Speaker Dade Phelan and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick telling lawmakers to expect a proclamation from Gov. Greg Abbott calling them back for a special session - possibly as early as Tuesday.
"I would encourage you to stay close," Patrick said.
Efforts to reach a compromise on property tax reforms continued up to the final minutes in private, in public, and even on Twitter, as the two chambers remained at odds.
Less than an hour after the Senate adjourned Monday, Patrick took to Twitter, laying blame for the failure to pass property tax reform at Phelan's feet.
A deal on property tax reform is likely to be just the first of several issues Abbott could potentially bring lawmakers back into session for. Border security and school choice are two other Abbott priorities that fell through in the waning days of the regular session.
Under state law, Abbott has the sole power to call lawmakers back for special sessions, each lasting no longer than 30 days.
