AUSTIN, TX - Today, Senator Springer returned to Austin for the first day of the 87th First Called Special Session after the Governor issued a proclamation on July 7, 2021, calling the legislature back to complete some unfinished business, as well as address other items for Texas.

"Texans have a long history of standing and fighting; serving Texas, and our nation. After the regular session ended with many important items not finished, it is important that we get back to work to debate these bills and provide Texans with confidence in their elections, security along our international border, ensure that girls are not forced into competing against boys in sports, and due to conservative budgeting, provide our retired teachers with a 13th check," Springer stated.

Governor Abbott called the Special Session and the agenda will include:

• BAIL REFORM: Legislation reforming the bail system in Texas to protect the public from accused criminals who may be released on bail.
• ELECTION INTEGRITY: Legislation strengthening the integrity of elections in Texas.
• BORDER SECURITY: Legislation providing funding to support law-enforcement agencies, counties, and other strategies as part of Texas’ comprehensive border security plan.
• SOCIAL MEDIA CENSORSHIP: Legislation safeguarding the freedom of speech by protecting social-media users from being censored by social-media companies based on the user’s expressed viewpoints.
• ARTICLE X FUNDING: Legislation providing appropriations to the Legislature and legislative agencies in Article X of the General Appropriations Act.
• FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION: Requiring schools to provide appropriate education to middle- and high-school students about dating violence, domestic violence, and child abuse, but that recognizes the right of parents to opt their children out of the instruction.
• YOUTH SPORTS: Disallowing a student from competing in University Interscholastic League athletic competitions designated for the sex opposite to the student’s sex at birth.
• ABORTION-INDUCING DRUGS: Legislation which prohibits people from providing abortion-inducing drugs by mail or delivery service, strengthens the laws applicable to the reporting of abortions and abortion complications, and ensures that no abortion-inducing drugs are provided unless there is voluntary and informed consent.
• THIRTEENTH CHECK: Legislation relating to a “thirteenth check” or one-time supplemental payment of benefits under the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• CRITICAL RACE THEORY: Legislation similar to House Bill 3979 concerning critical race theory as originally passed by the Texas Senate in the 87th Legislature, Regular Session.
• APPROPRIATIONS: Legislation providing appropriations from additional available general revenue for the following purposes:
• property-tax relief;
• enhanced protection for the safety of children in Texas’ foster-care system by attracting and retaining private providers for the system; and
• to better safeguard the state from potential cybersecurity threats.

"I am happy to return to work on these important issues and to continue to represent the people of Senate District 30. Ensuring that it is easier to vote, but harder to cheat will allow all Texans to feel secure that their vote truly counts. And that is something that I know SD 30 believes and all Texans can agree upon." Springer added.

According to the Constitution a Special Session may only last 30 days, the Governor may add additional items at any time, and there are no limits to how many Special Sessions the Governor may call.

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