AUSTIN — Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick took the gavel at 12:08 p.m. Tuesday, launching the 88th Legislative Session in the senate chamber.
“I look forward to another productive legislative session that will set the stage for an even greater Texas for future generations,” Patrick said in a statement.
This is Patrick’s third term as the second highest ranking official in Texas. He was elected by a statewide ballot in November, beating out Democratic challenger Mike Collier.
As the head of the state senate, the lieutenant governor establishes all special and standing committees, appoints all chairpersons and assigns all senate legislation to the committee of his choice.
In the first official duty of the senate, its 31 members were sworn in.
Members then elected state Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, as president pro-tempore of the senate. The pro-tem, while largely symbolic, serves as the leader of the senate should the lieutenant governor be unavailable or the office becomes vacant.
Hancock replaces Joan Huffman, R-Houston.
“As a senate, this is a very unique place in history,” Hancock said. “Many times it’s difficult here to treat one another with kindness, but I believe the success that we’ve achieved through diplomacy and tact, kindness is necessary and important.”
Over the next 140 days, members of the Texas House and Senate will debate and pass bills. They are only Constitutionally required to pass a two-year budget ,but lawmakers often use the time to also push bills.
Finalizing a budget may also prove to be difficult this session as the state Comptroller of Public Accounts, Glenn Hegar, announced Monday the state is projected to have a $32.7 billion surplus.
While Patrick has vowed that not all of it will be allocated, it is still a large amount of money many will be hoping to spend.
Gov. Greg Abbott also spoke before the senate, reiterating the opportunity the surplus presents to lawmakers and all Texans.
“I have never been as excited about the session as I am about this session,” Abbott said. “We have an extraordinary opportunity to do more than just address the needs of our fellow Texans. We have a unique opportunity to advance the lives of Texans candidly more than any other session. This is a once-in-generation opportunity.”