After 140 days, the Senate has adjourned the 79th Session sine die. The Legislature passed several important bills this year, including meaningful reforms in protective services, workers compensation, school safety and criminal justice system. As one of its last actions for the session, the Senate confirmed San Antonio Senator Frank Madla as president pro tempore for the interim. Madla will serve as third in line for the office of governor, assuming the duties whenever the Governor and Lt. Governor are out of the state.

Lt. Governor David Dewhurst expressed his satisfaction with the 79th Session. While the Legislature was unable to reach a compromise on the school finance issue, many bills large and small will significantly impact the lives of people around the state. Lawmakers won't be idle over the next year and a half. Standing committees and interim studies will hold hearings all over the state as they try to discern the top issues for the 80th Session.

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