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89th Texas Legislative Session ends with wins, losses, and unfinished business

The 89th Texas Legislative Session concluded on June 3, 2025, marking the end of a period filled with significant legislative activity, notable wins, losses, and a considerable amount of unfinished business. This session, which spanned from January to June, saw Texas lawmakers grappling with a wide array of issues ranging from budget allocations to social policies, infrastructure, and education reforms. The session was characterized by intense debates, bipartisan efforts, and, at times, contentious disagreements that left some key issues unresolved.

One of the most significant achievements of the session was the passage of the state budget. The budget, which totals $248 billion, was a focal point of the legislative session. It included increased funding for public education, with a particular emphasis on teacher salaries and school infrastructure. The budget also allocated substantial funds to healthcare, with a focus on expanding mental health services and improving access to care in rural areas. Additionally, the budget provided for significant investments in transportation infrastructure, aiming to address the state's growing needs in road maintenance and public transit systems.

In the realm of education, the session saw the passage of several key bills. One notable piece of legislation was the Teacher Pay Raise Act, which mandated a minimum salary increase for all public school teachers across the state. This move was widely celebrated by educators and advocacy groups, who had long argued for better compensation to attract and retain quality teachers. Another significant education bill was the School Safety Enhancement Act, which provided funding for improved security measures in schools, including the installation of advanced surveillance systems and the hiring of additional school resource officers.

Healthcare was another major focus of the session. Lawmakers passed the Mental Health Access Expansion Act, which aimed to increase the availability of mental health services by funding new facilities and programs. This bill was seen as a critical step in addressing the state's mental health crisis, which has been exacerbated by the ongoing effects of the global health situation. Additionally, the session saw the passage of the Rural Healthcare Improvement Act, which provided incentives for healthcare professionals to work in underserved rural areas, aiming to improve access to care for residents in these regions.

Infrastructure development was also a priority during the session. The Texas Transportation Investment Act was passed, allocating billions of dollars to improve the state's roadways, bridges, and public transit systems. This bill was seen as a necessary response to the state's rapid population growth and the resulting strain on its transportation infrastructure. Additionally, the session saw the passage of the Water Infrastructure Modernization Act, which provided funding for the repair and upgrade of the state's aging water systems, a critical issue given the increasing frequency of droughts and water shortages in Texas.

Despite these successes, the session was not without its challenges and disappointments. One of the most contentious issues was the debate over property tax reform. While several bills were introduced to address the issue, none managed to garner enough support to pass. This left many Texans frustrated, as property taxes remain a significant burden for many residents. The failure to pass meaningful property tax reform was seen as a major loss for the session and a key piece of unfinished business.

Another area where the session fell short was in the realm of criminal justice reform. Despite widespread calls for change, particularly in light of recent high-profile cases, the session saw little progress on this front. Several bills aimed at reducing mass incarceration and addressing systemic issues within the criminal justice system were introduced but ultimately failed to pass. This left many advocates and community leaders disappointed and calling for continued efforts in future sessions.

The session also saw significant debate over social issues, particularly around topics such as abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. While some bills aimed at restricting abortion access were introduced, they faced strong opposition and did not pass. Similarly, efforts to pass legislation protecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community were met with resistance, resulting in little progress on this front. These issues remain highly divisive and are likely to continue to be a focal point of future legislative sessions.

In addition to these major issues, the session saw a variety of other legislative activities. Environmental protection was another area of focus, with the passage of the Clean Air and Water Act, which aimed to reduce pollution and improve the state's environmental standards. This bill was seen as a positive step, though some environmental groups argued that it did not go far enough in addressing the state's environmental challenges.

The session also saw efforts to address the state's energy needs, with the passage of the Renewable Energy Investment Act. This bill provided incentives for the development of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, aiming to reduce the state's reliance on fossil fuels and improve its energy sustainability. This was seen as a forward-thinking move, though some critics argued that more needed to be done to transition away from traditional energy sources.

Overall, the 89th Texas Legislative Session was a period of significant legislative activity, marked by both achievements and setbacks. The passage of the state budget, education reforms, healthcare improvements, and infrastructure investments were notable wins, reflecting the priorities of the state's lawmakers. However, the failure to pass property tax reform, criminal justice reform, and meaningful progress on social issues left many feeling that there was still much work to be done. As the session came to a close, the focus shifted to the upcoming elections and the potential for future legislative sessions to address the remaining challenges facing the state of Texas.

Read the Full KBTX Article at:
[ https://www.kbtx.com/2025/06/03/89th-texas-legislative-session-ends-with-wins-losses-unfinished-business/ ]