Dan Patrick

Abbott’s agenda for the new special session includes — once again — school vouchers, school safety, and border-related bills.

The third round of legislative overtime kicked off in Austin Monday as the hostility between the lower and upper chambers continues to grow.

After sparring over the attorney general's impeachment, state lawmakers return to Austin next month for a special session focused on school vouchers. It could get messy.

A new internal report, conducted by the university system’s office of general counsel, also looked into Texas A&M’s decision to temporarily suspend a respected opioids expert after she was accused of criticizing Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in a lecture.

The professor, an expert on the opioids crisis, was placed on paid administrative leave and investigated, raising questions about the extent of political interference in higher education, particularly in health-related matters.

“Prejudicial and inflammatory statements” from both sides have jeopardized the ability of senators to offer fair and impartial justice, Patrick says. Violators can be found in contempt, jailed and fined.

The proposal would give renters a cash rebate of up to 10% on rent paid in the last tax year.

Despite the Senate moving its plan forward Wednesday, the measure seems destined for deadlock. A Texas House panel also passed its proposal to cut property taxes — which is significantly different from the Senate’s.

The second special session will focus solely on cutting property taxes.

The Texas Legislature just gaveled out of their regular session Monday … and then right back in for a special session. If you’re wondering what’s going on (and what it all means), here’s a guide on what to expect from Texas politics this summer.