Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (R) announced his intention to push for a special session of the Legislature if lawmakers do not ban tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or tighten bail laws before the current session concludes in early June. Patrick believes these issues are crucial and will not hesitate to use his influence to compel action.
The authority to call lawmakers back for a special session lies with Governor Greg Abbott (R), who also sets the agenda for such sessions. However, Patrick, who presides over the Texas Senate, holds the power to block any legislation from passing, giving him significant leverage. He previously used this strategy in 2017, when he impeded a pivotal “sunset” bill that would have extended the existence of several state agencies.
In a recent interview, Patrick emphasized the urgency of addressing the state’s booming hemp market, stating, “There aren’t many things you go down that path for, but the life and health of people is one.” He expressed concern over the potential health risks posed by unregulated hemp products, particularly for children, if no action is taken in the next two years.
Patrick and his Senate colleagues are targeting approximately 8,300 Texas retailers that sell various hemp products, including gummies, beverages, and flower buds. These products were authorized under a 2019 law aimed at promoting agriculture. However, Patrick and Senator Charles Perry, who sponsored the 2019 law, argue that the hemp industry has exploited a loophole, endangering public health by selling products with THC levels significantly higher than the legal limit of 0.3 percent.
Perry’s current proposal, known as Senate Bill 3, seeks to effectively shut down the hemp industry by prohibiting the possession or manufacture of THC products outside of Texas’s limited medical marijuana program. The bill has already passed in the Senate and is pending in the House, where industry leaders are advocating for stricter oversight and licensing regulations instead of an outright ban.
Patrick reiterated that he would consider leveraging the threat of a special session if the House does not support a comprehensive ban on THC products. He firmly stated, “You just can’t regulate it. You’ve gotta take it out,” reflecting his stance on the issue.
Although Patrick did not specify which bills he might use to prompt Governor Abbott to call a special session, he has several options. Among these is the two-year state budget, a crucial item that the Legislature must pass each session. Patrick had previously suggested holding the budget hostage in 2017, although it was the sunset bill that ultimately resulted in a special session.
This year, several key agencies are also up for sunset review, which means they will cease to exist unless lawmakers pass legislation to extend their operation until the next review period. This includes critical agencies like the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
