Texas Gov. Abbott calls special session for next week

Austin, Texas (AP) — Gov. Greg Abbott has formally called state lawmakers into a special legislative session beginning next week — directing them to approve oversight rules allowing some state agencies to continue operating before tackling a host of other proposals he wants approved.

Abbott's proclamation Monday means the Legislature will reconvene July 18 at 10 a.m.

For now, he asked only to extend operations of the Texas Medical Board and other entities set to expire this fall, after lawmakers failed to do so during the regular session that ended May 29.

Once that's passed, Abbott has promised to include 19 other priorities for the 30-day special session.

Those include reviving a failed transgender "bathroom bill," school vouchers plans, anti-abortion proposals and stricter limits on local property tax collection, tree ordinances and building permits.

Copyright 2017 Associated Press. All rights reserved.

The Gayly – July 10, 2017 @ 3:15 p.m.