AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- A second special session of the 87th Texas Legislature came to an end Thursday night, as the House and Senate both adjourned sine die ahead of the Labor Day holiday weekend.
The 30-day special session, per the Texas Constitution, was set to end no later than 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 5. Thursday's adjournment brings one of the more contentious sessions in recent memory to a close.
In the session's final hours, both chambers gave their final approval to House Bill 5, a bill that would restore funding for the Legislature itself and some 2,100 state employees. That's after Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed Article X of the biennial state budget in retaliation for Democrats' walkout at the end of the regular session in May.
House Speaker Dade Phelan praised members for their work in a statement. "I am grateful for the service of House members who devoted their time and energy throughout the regular session and two special sessions," said Phelan. "The hard work done during the regular session guarantees that our public schools are fully funded, that Texans have additional options for health insurance, and that we continue to improve and innovate our criminal justice system."
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called the passage of several bills, including the election integrity legislation, the fetal heartbeat bill, and a ban on teaching critical race theory in Texas schools, "conservative cornerstones that will keep Texas, Texas." However, Patrick said more work remains to be done.
"These tremendous victories were the result of countless hours of teamwork and collaboration by the Texas Senate," said Patrick. "We still have unfinished business to complete on the Fair Sports for Women and Girls Act. The Senate has passed that bill 4 times, and it has failed in the House. I have asked Gov. Abbott to place it on the special session call later this month, and we will pass it again."
Lawmakers are expected to be called back to Austin for a third special session to handle redrawing the state's political maps later this fall. Abbott has not indicated when he intends to call that session.