Texas lawmakers passed two border security bills during their fourth special legislative session, while education savings accounts, teacher pay raises and school safety funding fell victim to a growing rift between top Texas Republicans.
Senate Bill 5 would create a grant program to help school districts hire armed guards. Its fate is unclear in the Texas House, which passed a separate school safety proposal in November.
The Texas Senate passed a bill Dec. 1 that would shorten the period to challenge constitutional amendment elections, including the policies voters approved in November.
For the first time this year, legislation aimed at helping families pay for private schools is on its way to the Texas House. The bill would also increase funding for public schools and give teachers a pay bump.
Gov. Greg Abbott immediately called lawmakers back to Austin on Nov. 7 to approve a school voucher program, increase funding for public schools and create a state penalty for illegal immigration.