Anti-transgender legislation is still a threat as Texas considers a special session
Source: Think Progress
Zack Ford
LGBTQ Editor at ThinkProgress.org
May 30
Anti-transgender legislation is still a threat as Texas considers a special session
The pressures on if a special session is called.
The Texas legislative session came to a close on Monday before state lawmakers successfully passed any of the various anti-transgender bills they were considering. But that doesnt mean the fight is over. Lawmakers could still get another chance to advance legislation aimed at restricting the rights of the LGBTQ community.
Gov. Greg Abbott (R) promised Monday at a press conference that hell make an announcement later this week about whether he would call a special session to bring lawmakers back to consider more legislation. In particular, Abbott said his biggest disappointment this year is that the sunset bill didnt pass, referring to legislation that provides critical funding that several state agencies will need in order to remain operating.
If Abbott wants to give lawmakers more time to consider the sunset bill, the fight over legislation regulating which bathroom facilities transgender people can use might also resurface.
Thats because Lt. Gov Dan Patrick (R), who presides over the Senate, might hold the sunset bill hostage over the bathroom bill (SB6) he wants. In fact, thats exactly what he threatened to do earlier this month when squaring off with House Speaker Joe Straus (R), who blocked SB6 from advancing.
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https://thinkprogress.org/texas-transgender-special-session-4db7a28c9bd4