Overall special session update

Now into the 2nd half of this up-to-30-day special session, legislators still have a fair amount of work to do if they are to pass all of the legislation envisioned in Gov. Perry's "calls" for the session.

EDUCATION: We have reported extensively on the deregulation bills included in the governor's proclamation (described as "measures that will allow school districts to operate more efficiently"). The bill furthest along in the process is SB 8, which includes nearly all of the deregulation issues covered in other individual bills.

Other education bills were also filed in this special session, including SB 6, which addresses textbook and technological instructional issues. It was amended on the House floor this week to include some provisions similar to those in HB 500 from the regular session; this bill would have reduced some of the consequences of standardized testing for students and districts. One House amendment creates a pilot program for "reduced assessment requirements." The HB 500 concepts were not met with favor in the Senate in the regular session, so this language may not survive the conference committee process.

A voucher bill (HB 17) had a committee hearing but has been left pending. Several other education-related bills were filed, but not scheduled for committee hearings.

STATE BUDGET/SCHOOL FINANCE: The major finance bills are SBs 1 and 2. SB 1 is the key "fiscal matters" bill including statutory changes that will help balance the budget passed at the end of the regular session. It also includes school finance restructuring. SB 2 primarily comprises technical changes to the budget, but includes other provisions of interest such as the Howard amendment that could direct more Rainy Day funds to education if the fund grows beyond current levels. Both bills have passed both the House and Senate and are currently in conference committee negotiations.

OTHER ISSUES: Though the other issues placed on the special session agenda do not relate directly to public education, their progress is of interest in determining whether this special session will end quickly or another special session might be called. The congressional redistricting legislation, SB 4, has passed both chambers and is waiting for the Senate to either concur with House amendments or request a conference committee. HB 3, relating to windstorm insurance reform, has only passed the House and has not yet gone through the Senate. The healthcare reform bill, SB 7, has passed both the House and the Senate, and a conference committee report has been filed but not yet voted on. And a bill on sanctuary cities, SB 9, has passed the Senate but has not been heard in the House.

The special session can last up to 30 days (through June 29) but lawmakers can choose to adjourn earlier.