AUSTIN – Moments after Texas legislators concluded their regular session, Gov. Greg Abbott abruptly announced an immediate special session Monday to address what he called “critical” legislation.

While Abbott plans to sign a plethora of starkly conservative legislation – from bans on gender-affirming care for minors to stripping DEI programs from public universities – the Legislature was unable to strike a deal on key bullet points on his agenda. According to Abbott’s announcement, the special session will discuss only two major pieces of legislation: property taxes and border security.

Texas faces a historic budget surplus, which Abbott promised supporters would be used to lower property taxes. While legislators agreed on a multi-billion dollar figure for tax cuts, legislators could not agree on where to allocate the more than $12.3 billion in new spending.

Abbott got a win earlier in the session over the border, doling out $5.1 billion to fund agencies with boots on the ground, as well as directing funds to border wall construction. However, the Republican governor wants to go further, pushing for increased penalties for individuals caught making it past Texas’ tightened southern border security.

While Abbott has announced only this session, the governor noted that several special sessions may be “required” in the future.

Announcing special session #1 to cut property taxes for hardworking Texans and crack down on illegal human smuggling. pic.twitter.com/UcVUsY9SLL

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) May 30, 2023