AUSTIN — Tuesday marks the unofficial beginning of the 89th Texas legislative session as lawmakers begin filing some of the bills they hope reach Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk next year.
Lawmakers in the Texas House and Senate can begin “pre-filing” legislation, giving a first glimpse into the topics they want to tackle when the Legislature gavels in for the first day on Jan. 14.
The Dallas Morning News will track the bills that are filed throughout the day.
The first 20 to 30 bill numbers are typically reserved for the top priorities of the House speaker and the lieutenant governor, who presides over the Senate.
Lawmakers will file thousands of bills during the legislative session. Most will not become law.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has already said school choice – allowing state education money to be spent on private schools – will be his top priority next session. The Senate’s school choice bill will be Senate Bill 2, Patrick said Friday. Senate Bill 1 is reserved for the state budget.
Texas Speaker Dade Phelan has not revealed his legislative priorities for next year’s session. Phelan is in a fight to be speaker for a third term as more than 45 House Republicans have pledged their support to Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield.
Republicans control both chambers and slightly increased their majorities, gaining one seat in the Senate and two seats in the Texas House. Republicans will have a 20-11 advantage in the Senate and an 88-62 majority in the House next session.
The last day lawmakers can file most legislation is March 14. The 89th legislative session will end Monday, June 2.