Special Session Coming to an End
But the Texas Senate Is Still Working for You
The end of the First Called Special Session of 2025 is in sight, but the Texas Senate did its job by passing all 16 items on the Governor’s list. Unfortunately, House Democrats fled the state, leaving their duties, families, and constituents in the lurch. The Senate remained in the Capitol, committed to delivering results for Texans.
Texans expect their elected legislators to get the job done—and that is exactly what the Senate did. I came back to Austin because our work is not finished. Whether it is cutting your property taxes, protecting the unborn, or making sure we are better prepared for the next extreme weather event, I will never stop fighting for you and your family.
To that end, I am proud to report that we in the Senate moved to pass a bold slate of legislation focused on safety, smart policy and investments, and accountability.
These bills represent just a snapshot of the legislation we have successfully passed out of the Texas Senate during the first called special session—each designed to strengthen our state, protect our communities, and uphold our shared values. From natural disaster readiness to defending life, these measures reflect a broad range of priorities for Texans. SB 1 enhances natural disaster preparation and recovery efforts, while SB 2 improves flood emergency communications and SB 3 directs relief funding to flood-prone areas in the Hill Country. SB 4 updates congressional district lines in compliance with statutory and constitutional parameters, and SB 5 bans unregulated synthetic THC products to protect youth and communities from dangerous substances. SB 6, the Defense of Unborn Children Act, reaffirms Texas’s commitment to life, and SB 7 protects women’s privacy in public facilities and sports. Education reform is advanced through SB 8, which eliminates the STAAR test to restore local control, and SB 9 delivers property tax relief for families. SB 10 provides greater protections and support for victims of human trafficking, while SB 11 strengthens election safeguards by clarifying the Attorney General’s role. SB 12 bans taxpayer-funded lobbying by local governments, and SB 13 promotes investment in critical water infrastructure. Property rights are defended through SB 15, which combats deed fraud and title theft, while SB 16, the Judicial Omnibus bill, streamlines court operations to better deliver justice across Texas while adding Rockwall and Ellis County courts for Senate District 2. Together, these measures showcase the Senate’s commitment to protecting Texans, securing our freedoms, and building a stronger future for our state.
While SB 14 was passed by the Senate, I voted against this bill because I believe secrecy in government should be limited to issues involving national security, not a tool to protect bad actors. All government records should be accessible to the public when requested. Transparency and accountability in government are cornerstones of a free society, and they should never become casualties of government action. The public has the right to know how their government operates, and limiting access to records—regardless of the subject—undermines that principle.
Unfortunately, if the House does not move on these items by Friday, October 15th, the Governor intends to call us back for a second special session to address them again.
📣 Stay Engaged: Your voice matters. If you have thoughts on any of these bills, reply to this email or contact my office. Together, we are building a stronger, safer, and freer Texas. Promises Made are Promises Kept.
For Texas and Liberty,
– Senator Bob Hall
Texas Senate District 2
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