With the June 2 deadline fast approaching, Texas lawmakers moved swiftly through a stack of high-profile legislation on Thursday, advancing bills that touch on education, public health, abortion, and religious expression in schools. Here’s a look at the most significant actions from a packed day at the Capitol.
- House Approves Anti-Communism Curriculum Requirement
The Texas House overwhelmingly approved Senate Bill 24, a measure that mandates public school instruction on “historical events and atrocities” under communist regimes. The bill, authored by Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, applies to students in grades 4 through 12 and would require the inclusion of topics such as mass murder, forced labor, and economic deterioration, along with the history of communist movements in the U.S.
Democrats voiced concerns about the bill’s scope. Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston, cautioned against overstating communism’s historical influence in the U.S., while other Democrats unsuccessfully pushed for the inclusion of fascist regimes and modern Nazism in the curriculum, as reported by the Austin American-Statesman.
In an emotional address, Rep. Mihaela Plesa, D-Dallas, shared her family’s personal experience fleeing Nicolae Ceaușescu’s communist Romania:
“When my parents grew up, when the government killed a member of your family, they would send you the bill for the bullet.”
The bill passed 119-13, with five members abstaining, and now heads to Governor Greg Abbott. While the legislation seeks to educate students on the atrocities historically documented under communist regimes, acts that must indeed be condemned, it is also important to remember that, at one point in American history, those who fought for workers’ rights were often labeled as communists. This distinction may become blurred under the bill’s framework. Although the horrors of communism should be taught, omitting the historical context in which social and labor movements were unfairly stigmatized could risk undermining critical thinking in classrooms. Without space for nuance, students may lose the opportunity to differentiate between totalitarian regimes and legitimate struggles for social justice.
- SNAP Soda Ban Advances
The House also gave initial approval to Senate Bill 379, which would prevent recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from using benefits to purchase sugary sodas. The measure, introduced by Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, passed the House 88-47 after clearing the Senate 24-6 in March.
Supporters argue the move is needed to address obesity and health concerns in the state. Critics warn it could discourage small vendors from participating in the SNAP program due to the complexity of regulation.
- Two Abortion Bills Sent to Governor
In a significant development, the House passed Senate Bill 31, which seeks to clarify the state’s narrow medical exception to its near-total abortion ban. Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, who sponsored the House version, said the bill is intended to help prevent maternal deaths and guide doctors in emergencies.
“We know women have died after care was delayed or denied,” Geren said.
Lawmakers also approved Senate Bill 33, banning cities from using public funds to support out-of-state abortion travel. Rep. Candy Noble, R-Lucas, said the legislation ensures local governments follow state law.
Both bills now await Gov. Abbott’s signature.
- House Advances School Prayer Expansion
The House voted 88-57 to pass Senate Bill 11, which would allow school boards to establish a daily period for prayer or the reading of religious texts. Participation would require written consent, and loudspeaker broadcasts of prayer would be prohibited.
Opponents raised concerns about the bill’s removal of existing legal restrictions that prohibit educators from encouraging students to pray. Although the bill does not require schools to adopt the policy, it could open the door to future mandates that further blur the line between church and state. While the boundaries may seem clear now, over time this could gradually normalize religiously driven expectations of “acceptable conduct” in public schools. If we ever care about religious freedom, a cautious and vigilant approach will be essential as this policy moves forward.
- Stronger Protections for Homeowners Against Squatters
Lawmakers in the House approved Senate Bill 1333, aimed at expediting the removal of unauthorized occupants from private homes. The bill allows property owners to file a sworn complaint with local law enforcement, who must then serve notice to vacate and restore possession of the property.
Because the House made amendments, the measure now returns to the Senate for further action.
- Banning on THC products
In a 95-44 vote, the Texas House passed Senate Bill 3, effectively banning all THC products. Under the bill, adults caught in possession of any THC product could face up to one year in jail.
THC is part of an $8 billion industry in Texas, and critics warn that the ban will have a devastating impact on local businesses.
“We are deeply disappointed by the Texas House’s passage of SB3—a bill that dismantles the legal hemp industry and ignores the voices of small businesses, farmers, veterans, and consumers across the state who rely on hemp-derived products for their livelihoods and well-being,” the Texas Hemp Business Council said in a statement following the vote, according to CBS News.
The work continues
Despite the upcoming holiday, the House has been advised that floor sessions will take place on Saturday and Sunday, with the possibility of working on Memorial Day itself. As the legislative session enters its final full week, lawmakers face mounting pressure to clear a backlog of pending bills.
As the clock ticks down toward the June 2 deadline, the Texas Legislature is pressing forward on a wide array of contentious issues. With bills on education, nutrition, abortion access, and property rights advancing rapidly, attention now turns to Gov. Abbott’s desk, where several high-profile measures await final approval and it is vital for us to keep having an eye on the session.
