Patrick Praises Texas Senate Over Passing Priority Bills

Halfway through the 89th regular legislative session, the Texas Senate has passed more than half of its top 40 priority bills, advancing a conservative agenda that Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (R) called the "most bold in Texas Senate history."

In a statement, Lt. Governor Patrick commended the Texas Senate for moving quickly on key legislation.

“At the beginning of the session in January, I laid out the most conservative and bold agenda in Texas Senate history. Just one week after the bill filing deadline, the Texas Senate had already passed 21 of the top 40 priority bills, including my priorities, the senators’ priorities, and the most important bills the voters asked me to pass," the lt. governor said.

Among the priority bills that the Texas Senate has already passed are measures aimed at education, public safety, and economic policy. Senate Bill 2 provides school choice, while Senate Bill 12 establishes a Parental Bill of Rights in public education. Additionally, Senate Bill 13 seeks to guard against inappropriate books in public schools.

Other key bills include Senate Bill 4, which increases the homestead exemption to $140,000 ($150,000 for seniors), and Senate Bill 6, which focuses on improving Texas’ electric grid reliability. The Senate also approved Senate Bill 9, which reforms the state’s bail system to keep violent criminals off the streets.

Moreover, the Senate has tackled social and economic issues, including Senate Bill 17, which blocks foreign adversaries from purchasing land in Texas, and Senate Bill 21, which establishes a Texas Bitcoin Reserve. The legislature also passed Senate Bill 18 to ban drag time story hours and Senate Bill 26 to increase teacher pay.

Looking ahead, Lt. Governor Patrick urged the Texas House to act quickly on these measures. “I look forward to swift action from Speaker Burrows and the Texas House so these vital reforms to strengthen our state can pass and become law,” he said.

Though the Texas Senate has received praise for its swift work, the Texas House has been in conflict as Republicans have vehemently criticized Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R) over his leadership.