All,
As I was preparing this update, the following excerpt from Hamlet came to mind: “…since brevity is the soul of wit, and tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes, I will be brief.” Unlike Polonius’s speech to King Claudius and Queen Gertrude, however, I can assure you that this update will indeed be brief.
The beginning of the First Called Session of the 85th Legislature begins tomorrow, July 18th. As of July 14th, 167 bills and resolutions have been filed in anticipation of the special session. However, because there is only one item currently listed on Governor Abbott’s proclamation calling the special session (i.e., legislation to extend the existence of the Texas Medical Board and the state agencies governing psychologists, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, and social workers), almost all of the pre-filed bills and resolutions relate to matters not relevant to the lone item currently on the call. According to his announcement in June and his official proclamation on July 10th, the Governor will add to the call the items listed in the draft of the supplemental call after the Senate passes all bills necessary to extend the existence of the aforementioned state agencies.
Currently, none of the pre-filed bills for the First Called Session or items listed on the Governor’s proclamations significantly impact civil trial and appellate practitioners. Of course, that certainly could change as the session progresses. So stay tuned.
I will keep everyone informed of developments, if any, as I become aware of them. In the interim, if you have any questions about these topics or any other matter that comes to mind, feel free to contact me. If I do not know the answer to your questions, I’ll do my best to find someone who does.
Sincerely,
Jerry Bullard
Co-Chair, Legislative Liaison Committee
State Bar of Texas Appellate Section