Governor Abbott, Lt. Governor Patrick, & Speaker Burrows Announce Legislative Priorities for the 2025 Session

(Austin, TX) – Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick have each announced their top legislative  priorities for the 89th Texas Legislative Session, setting the stage for a session focused on key issues that  impact Texans statewide. Governor Abbott’s Emergency Items highlight critical areas of reform and  investment, while Lt. Governor Patrick’s Priority Bills outline a broad conservative agenda aimed at shaping  Texas’ future. 

Governor Abbott’s Emergency Items 

During his 2025 State of the State Address, Governor Abbott identified seven emergency items that will guide  legislative efforts this session: 

• Water Infrastructure: Investing in Texas’ water supply to ensure long-term sustainability. • Teacher Pay Raises: Increasing compensation for educators to attract and retain quality teachers. • Expanding Career Training: Enhancing workforce training programs to better prepare Texans for  high-demand careers. 
• School Choice: Empowering parents with more options for their children’s education. • Bail Reform: Strengthening measures to keep violent criminals off the streets. 
• Texas Cyber Command: Establishing a state-led initiative to protect against cyber threats. • Property Tax Relief: Delivering additional tax cuts to provide relief to Texas homeowners. 

These priorities reflect the Governor’s commitment to economic growth, public safety, and educational  opportunity. 

Lt. Governor Patrick’s Priority Bills 

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick has unveiled the first round of his Top 40 Priority Bills for the Texas Senate. These  bills cover a wide range of issues, many of which align with Governor Abbott’s emergency priorities.  Highlights include: 

• Education Reform: Senate Bill 2 provides school choice, Senate Bill 10 places the Ten  Commandments in schools, and Senate Bill 12 establishes a Parental Bill of Rights. 
• Public Safety: Senate Bill 9 strengthens bail reform, Senate Bill 8 mandates local law enforcement  cooperation with federal immigration efforts, and Senate Bill 20 addresses AI-generated child  pornography.
• Economic & Infrastructure Investments: Senate Bill 4 raises the homestead exemption, Senate Bill 6  enhances the electric grid, and Senate Bill 7 secures Texas’ water supply. 
• Social & Cultural Issues: Senate Bill 18 bans drag queen story hours in libraries, Senate Bill 24  mandates education on the dangers of communism, and Senate Bill 17 blocks foreign adversaries from  purchasing Texas land. 

Speaker Dustin Burrows’ Legislative Priorities 

Speaker Dustin Burrows also put forth his legislative priorities for the 89th Legislature, focusing on increasing  efficiency in state government, passing school choice, providing additional funding for public schools,  cutting property taxes, and supporting Texas’s small businesses.  

Governor Abbott, Lt. Governor Patrick, and Speaker Burrows share strong commitments to school choice and property tax relief reflecting a unified vision on key issues.  

Rep. Terri Leo Wilson has filed legislation that aligns with several of the Governor’s, Lt. Governor’s, and  Speaker’s priorities, including: 

• Establishing a handbook on parental rights in education. (HB 1137) 
• Legislation to prevent non-citizens from voting in Texas elections. (HB 2245) 
• Prohibiting foreign-owned entities from purchasing Texas land. (HB 518) 
• Ending taxpayer-funded lobbying at the local and state levels. (HB 309) 
• Combating AI-generated pornography through stricter regulations and penalties. (HB 387) 

“The priorities set by Governor Abbott, Lt. Governor Patrick, and Speaker Burrows reflect the values and  concerns of Texans. I am proud to carry legislation that upholds the rights of parents, protects our state’s  sovereignty, and ensures that our children are safe. This session, I will work tirelessly to advance policies that  put Texans first and strengthen the foundation of our great state.” 

As the 89th Legislative Session progresses, Rep. Leo Wilson remains committed to supporting conservative  policies that reinforce Texas’ leadership and prosperity.