Gov. Greg Abbott (R) called Texas state lawmakers back to Austin for an immediate special session on legislation to cut school property taxes beginning at 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, 2023. The announcement came shortly after House Speaker Dade Phelan (R) told members of his chamber to prepare to be back in town for a second special session by Wednesday morning, as we reported earlier on Teach the Vote. The Senate adjourned its business for the first special session earlier Tuesday.

In a press release announcing the second special session, Abbott warned, "Unless and until the House and Senate agree on a different proposal to provide property tax cuts, I will continue to call for lasting property tax cuts through rate reductions and working toward eliminating the school property tax in Texas."

The governor's proclamation is specific, asking legislators to pass bills "to cut property-tax rates solely by reducing the school district maximum compressed tax rate" and "to put Texas on a pathway to eliminating school district maintenance and operations property taxes."

Although Abbott has indicated his desire to convene another special session for private school voucher legislation, that is not expected to happen until later this year. The governor also said in his Tuesday remarks, "Special sessions will continue to focus on only property tax cuts until property tax cut legislation reaches my desk."

Click on the image to the right to view a larger version of the official proclamation. Stay tuned to Teach the Vote for updates as the second special session proceeds.