AUSTIN, Texas (AP and Texas Public Media reports) — Key conservative priorities fizzled yet again as Texas lawmakers abruptly concluded their month-long special legislative session, despite Republicans controlling both chambers and every statewide office. As reported by Texas Public Media: The state House surprisingly adjourned Tuesday night, more than 24 hours before the session was supposed to end. Failing were such red-state issues as a "transgender bathroom bill", school vouchers, local property tax restrictions and limits on paycheck deductions for union dues. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick blamed House Speaker Joe Straus for the failure not only of the property tax bill but also of a dozen other items on the governor’s agenda. But house members felt the senate didn't act in good faith as they shared in comments in chambers as they deliberated on bills. Lieutenant Governor Patrick had the last word, saying members who didn’t vote for the Senate’s property tax bill will have to explain themselves to the voters. That may have been the first shot of the 2018 Republican primary season.
