Governor Abbott calls second special session for property tax reductions.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Orders Lawmakers Back to Work for Second Special Session

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has called for a second special session after lawmakers failed to pass legislation to reduce property taxes. In a tweet, Abbott expressed his commitment to delivering the largest property tax cut in Texas history, stating that hardworking Texans deserve lasting property tax cuts.

The first special session, which ended on Tuesday, focused on property taxes and border security, but no agreements were reached on either issue. The House and Senate have been at odds over how to allocate the $17.6 billion available for property tax cuts. Texas currently has a record budget surplus of $32 billion.

Abbott wasted no time in announcing the second session, emphasizing that property taxes would remain the primary focus. He stated that he would continue calling special sessions until a property tax cut bill reached his desk for signature.

The governor outlined two agenda items for the second special session:

• Eliminating a property tax in Texas: Legislation to eliminate school district maintenance and operations property taxes
• Lasting property tax rate cuts: Legislation to reduce the school district maximum compressed tax rate for lasting property tax relief

Abbott’s plan has garnered support from homeowners, consumers, and businesses across the state, including leading tax policy groups. However, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has insisted that increasing the homestead exemption must be included in the plan.

Back to Work—for Some Lawmakers

On Wednesday morning, both chambers convened at the state Capitol in Austin. However, the House session was brief, lasting less than 20 minutes. Speaker Dade Phelan adjourned the House until Friday, with plans to reconvene the following Wednesday.

The Senate, on the other hand, resumed work on the task at hand.

This third legislative session of 2023 has highlighted divisions within the Republican party in Texas. Lt. Gov. Patrick has been engaged in a public dispute with Phelan and Abbott over the best approach to providing property tax relief.

Patrick emphasized that during the regular session, both the House and Senate agreed on cutting school district property tax rates and unanimously voted for a $100,000 homestead exemption.

Reducing property taxes remains a top priority for Patrick and Abbott.