Governor Greg Abbott has called the Texas Legislature back into a special session beginning July 21, initially designed to address consumable THC products and later to tackle flood relief and emergency preparedness after the recent deadly floods.
Unexpectedly, the session’s agenda now also includes a high-profile 'bathroom bill' (HB 32), which would require Texans in public schools, government buildings, family shelters, and prisons to use restrooms and changing facilities according to their sex assigned at birth—a move that LGBTQ+ advocates warn is discriminatory.
Leading the effort, Republican Rep. Valoree Swanson reintroduced the bill after a similar version stalled earlier this year, and with moderate Republicans sidelined, the measure stands a stronger chance this time.
Critics argue it sidelines urgently needed flood recovery, pointing out that despite the session’s focus on disaster response, none of the 82 bills filed so far address flood relief - raising concerns that the state is prioritizing social policy theater over lifesaving aid.
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