The Texas Legislative Session, which began in January and ended in May, saw a flurry of activity as lawmakers tussled with a wide range of issues and passed numerous bills that will impact the state for years to come. From education and healthcare to gun rights and immigration, the session was marked by heated debate and contentious compromise.

One of the key bills that was passed during the session was the state budget, which allocates funding for various government agencies and programs. The $264 billion budget includes increased spending on education, including pay raises for teachers and funding for full-day pre-kindergarten for eligible students. It also earmarks funds for border security and mental health services, two issues that have been at the forefront of public discourse in recent years.

Another important piece of legislation that was passed is the school finance reform bill, which overhauls the way public schools are funded in the state. The bill includes measures to reduce property taxes and increase state funding for schools, as well as reforms to the school funding formula to ensure that low-income and at-risk students receive adequate resources to succeed.

On the controversial front, the session saw heated debates over gun rights and immigration. A bill allowing legal gun owners to carry firearms without a permit, known as “constitutional carry,” was passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott. This move has drawn sharp criticism from gun control advocates, who argue that it will make it easier for individuals with no training or background checks to carry guns in public.

Immigration was also a hot-button issue, with the legislature passing a bill that bans sanctuary cities and allows local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. This move has sparked outrage from immigrant rights groups, who argue that it will lead to racial profiling and discrimination.

Other controversial issues that were discussed during the session include voting rights, abortion access, and LGBTQ rights. A bill that limits voting access by imposing stricter identification requirements and bans drive-thru voting was passed, while measures to restrict access to abortion and LGBTQ rights were fiercely debated but ultimately did not pass.

Overall, the Texas Legislative Session was marked by intense partisan battles and a flurry of legislation that will shape the state for years to come. As the dust settles, it is clear that the session will have a lasting impact on issues ranging from education and healthcare to gun rights and immigration, and will continue to be a point of contention and discussion for the residents of Texas.