The 87th Legislative Session adjourned sine die on May 31st after taking up thousands of bills and issues over the last 140 days. During the 87th Session a total of 6,927 House and Senate bills were filed and a total of 1,073 bills were passed (not including resolutions) *TLO
A deeper analysis of statistics indicates 587 House bills were passed and 486 Senate bills were passed. This was the least amount passed authored by those in the House chamber since the 72nd Regular Session in 1991 when 528 House bills were passed. More Senate bills passed this session compared to last but less than what was passed in the 85th Regular session when 511 Senate bills passed into law.
Over half of the bills passed into law finally passed in the last week of the 87th Session. Bills that had language finalized and passed in the final five days of session included legislation addressing the winter storm, pandemic, civics education, agency sunset legislation, and the must-pass budget bill for the upcoming biennium.
Telemedicine flexibilities (HB 4) and alcohol to go (HB 1024) permitted during the pandemic were also made permanent during the 87th.
Also of note, the Conference Committee Report on SB 7 (voting/elections) surrounded by contention was brought on the House floor on May 30th resulting in many Texas Democrats walking out of session and breaking quorum. Gov. Abbott issued a statement on May 31st saying Special Session will include Election Integrity and Bail Reform “along with other priority items.” Media outlets also report Abbott expects a special session in September/October (redistricting and federal funds), and another one to take place prior to that date ( SB 7 elections, bail, and other issues).
Below is a “BILL SPOTLIGHT” on certain bills that passed out of the 87th Session broken out by issues. Notable bills that did not pass may also be spotlighted below.
*Please note when reviewing bill text to determine final language, technical corrections with substantive language changes were made to many bills after the CCRs were approved. For final copies of bills, including substantive corrections if they were made, please look at the enrolled bill text.
The final deadline of interest in the 87th Session is the last day the Governor can sign or veto bills passed during the regular session – June 20.
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