Latest news with #THCban
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Gov. Greg Abbott orders special legislative session after vetoing 26 bills
Gov. Greg Abbott called a special session early Monday, ordering state legislators back to the Capitol to tackle six bills that he vetoed shortly before the deadline late Sunday. Among them is Senate Bill 3, which would have banned the sale of hemp products containing THC in Texas. Abbott, who said the 30-day special session will begin July 21, can still add items to the call list. In a press release, he described that list as 'initial.' He has faced pressure from President Donald Trump to ask lawmakers to redraw some of Texas' 38 U.S. House districts ahead of the 2026 midterms, but that request was not on the list release Monday. The state constitution only allows lawmakers to pass bills during special sessions on issues selected by the governor. The other bills that lawmakers will reconsider during the special session are: SB 648: Relating to recording requirements for certain instruments concerning real property SB 1253: Relating to impact and production fees for certain water projects and to the regulation of certain wells; authorizing a fee. SB 1278: Relating to an affirmative defense to prosecution for victims of trafficking of persons or compelling prostitution. SB 1758: Relating to the operation of a cement kiln and the production of aggregates near a semiconductor wafer manufacturing facility. SB 2878: Relating to the operation and administration of and practices and procedures related to proceedings in the judicial branch of state government. Abbott released statements explaining his rationale for the vetoes. He also vetoed 18 other bills late Sunday that he did not add to the call for the special session. Those measures ranged from changes to the criminal justice system to water rights management that lawmakers had passed during the recently completed legislative session. Abbott had already vetoed two bills by the time the session closed on June 2. Among the bills Abbott vetoed was House Bill 413, which would have ensured that no defendant could be held in custody before trial for longer than the punishment they would receive if convicted. That bill, which was co-authored by a bipartisan group of five lawmakers from around the state, passed the House 126-10 and the Senate 30-1. When promoting the bill on KCEN news before its passage in May, co-author Rep. Pat Curry, R-Waco, said, 'if there's a penalty that requires two years in prison and you've spent two years waiting to go to trial, you need to be released.' Abbott vetoed the bill against the backdrop of sweeping changes to bail laws that he championed this past legislative session that sought to keep violent repeat offenders behind bars. Abbott also vetoed Senate Bill 974, which would have allowed public school teachers to serve on residential appraisal review boards. Supporters of the bill, like Rep. Chris Turner, D-Grand Prairie, had argued that the bill was necessary because "many smaller rural counties have difficulty filling their appraisal review boards during the summer months." However, the bill became a target of conservative activists who argued that the harms of letting teachers sit on these boards statewide outweighed the benefits to rural counties. Andrew McVeigh, president of Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, wrote in a letter to Abbot that he should veto the bill because appraisal review boards have the ability to influence property tax valuations, which help fund school districts. 'Letting teachers sit on these boards undermines the objectivity of the appraisal process and threatens public trust,' McVeigh wrote. The other bills Abbott that vetoed this session include: HB 305: Relating to the time period for conducting pretrial hearings after a criminal defendant has been restored to competency. HB 353: Relating to creating the criminal offense of trespass on or near school or day-care center property HB 449: Relating to the unlawful production or distribution of sexually explicit media using deep fake technology. HB 705: Relating to the Cosmetology Licensure Compact; authorizing fees. HB 1690: Relating to an application for a permit for the transfer of groundwater out of a groundwater conservation district. HB 2243: Relating to the creation of the Texas Commission on Teacher Job Satisfaction and Retention. HB 2520: Relating to the open meetings law. HB 3120: Relating to certain duties of the owner or operator of a residential child detention facility. HB 4530: Relating to water rights placed in the Texas Water Trust and the Texas Water Bank. HB 4885: Relating to the disclosure of confidential juvenile records to a managed assigned counsel program. HB 5671: Relating to the election of directors for and the authority to issue bonds of the Johnson County Special Utility District. SB 268: Relating to the procedure for certain complaints against health care practitioners. SB 378: Relating to certain prohibited practices by a barber or cosmetologist. SB 614: Relating to the authority of the Texas Forensic Science Commission to review and refer certain cases to the office of capital and forensic writs. SB 1032: Relating to the eligibility of postsecondary educational institutions to participate in the governor's university research initiative. SB 1838: Relating to the appointment of attorneys ad litem and the compensation of certain attorneys ad litem in suits affecting the parent-child relationship filed by a governmental entity. SB 1937: Relating to the testing of evidence containing biological materials in capital cases SB 2111: Relating to legal representation of indigent persons in this state and to proceedings before a magistrate including the appointment of counsel for an indigent defendant. SB 2501: Relating to selection of an attorney by an indigent parent as attorney ad litem for the parent in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship. Big news: 20 more speakers join the TribFest lineup! New additions include Margaret Spellings, former U.S. secretary of education and CEO of the Bipartisan Policy Center; Michael Curry, former presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church; Beto O'Rourke, former U.S. Representative, D-El Paso; Joe Lonsdale, entrepreneur, founder and managing partner at 8VC; and Katie Phang, journalist and trial lawyer. Get tickets. TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hemp industry advocates respond to Texas THC ban, plea with Gov. Abbott to veto SB 3
The clock is ticking louder as the deadline is fast approaching for Texas' proposed hemp-derived THC ban bill. The bill - Senate Bill 3 — was authored by Lubbock Republican State Sen. Charles Perry to help close a loophole Lt. Governor Dan Patrick said was "exploited" to grow the THC market in Texas. However, the sweeping ban is set to impact the $8 billion hemp industry. Others are reading: Patrick, Perry defend proposed Texas THC ban after smoke shop exploit hemp loophole The bill has garnered backlash from both sides of the aisle, with hemp advocates calling on Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to veto the bill, including the Texas Hemp Coalition. "The Texas Hemp Coalition is calling on Governor Greg Abbott to veto Senate Bill 3 before his midnight deadline on June 22nd. This is a deeply flawed measure that would devastate Texas' legal hemp industry and harm farmers, entrepreneurs, and consumers across the state," reads a statement from the coalition. According to the organization, SB 3 would have the following impact on Texas: Eliminates Jobs — Over 50,000 jobs are at risk across farming, processing, retail, and manufacturing. Hurts Small Business — Hundreds of independently owned stores and operations could be forced to shut down. Contradicts Federal Law — SB 3 restricts hemp products legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Endangers Public Safety — Driving the industry underground removes consumer protections like testing, labeling, and age restrictions. Undermines Texas Agriculture — Many Texas farmers have invested heavily in hemp as a rotational crop and income stabilizer. Benefits Other States — Neighboring states with legal hemp markets will absorb displaced Texas customers and businesses. Pushes business to the illicit market with no checks and balances which doesn't protect our consumers and citizens. The coalition's executive director, Illissa Nolan, said in a statement that the hemp industry doesn't want a free pass but rather fair rules, and "supports strong, science-based regulation including age limits, robust testing, and clear labeling." "This bill overreaches, penalizes responsible businesses, and guts a legal industry that has grown under aclear federal and state regulatory framework," said Nolan. "Governor Abbott has a history of supporting small business and rural economies. We respectfully ask him to stand with us again and protect one of the most promising sectors of Texas agriculture and entrepreneurship.' Others are reading: Lt. Gov. Patrick, Sen. Perry tout legislative victories in Lubbock stop During the 89th Texas Legislature's regular session, the bill cleared the Senate 26-5, with it being amended in the House and passing 87-54. With the Senate agreeing to the House's amendment, the bill was sent to Abbott's desk on May 27, starting the clock. The governor has until June 22 to do one of the following: Sign it — it becomes law and is effective starting Sept. 1. Veto it — with the House having the chance to overturn the veto. Not sign it — still becomes law effective starting Sept. 1. Abbott has not tipped his hand as to which of the three options he is leaning towards as the deadline approaches. Mateo Rosiles is the Government & Public Policy reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Got a news tip for him? Email him: mrosiles@ This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Hemp industry advocates urge Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to veto THC ban
CBS News
03-06-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Hemp industry among those urging Gov. Greg Abbott to veto bill that bans THC products in Texas
On the final day of the Texas legislative session, the hemp industry, veterans, and other advocates urged Gov. Greg Abbott to veto Senate Bill 3, which would ban THC products in the state. The legislation, a top priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum. AUSTIN, TEXAS - JUNE 08: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks at a news conference in the state Capitol on June 08, 2023 in Austin, Texas. Abbott and Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw joined bill authors, sponsors, legislators and law enforcement members in the signing of bills aimed at enhancing southern border security. BRANDON BELL / Getty Images As of Monday, Abbott had not indicated whether he would sign or veto the bill. Opponents deliver 100,000 letters Opponents gathered at the Capitol Monday morning, delivering boxes they said contained 100,000 letters urging the governor to reject the measure. Veterans, Democrats, and some conservatives held a news conference to voice their opposition, arguing that the bill would harm Texans who rely on hemp-derived products for relief from pain and other conditions. Under SB 3, retailers would be limited to selling only non-intoxicating cannabinoids, such as CBD and CBG. Supporters cite public health risks CBS News Texas Supporters of the bill, including Patrick, argue it is necessary to protect public health. At a news conference last week, Patrick displayed several products that would be banned under the legislation, which is set to take effect Sept. 1 if signed into law. Aubree Adams, founder of Safe and Healthy Texas, spoke at a separate news conference Monday afternoon in support of the bill. "This bill is a collection bill to get rid of the poison that is synthetic THC," Adams said. "This drug operation is an all-out assault on Texas families and schools." Social media voices opposition Meanwhile, social media users have joined the debate. One man, identified as Johnny Lyon, posted on X: "I use the hemp products successfully. I want you to veto SB 3 because my wife and I like these products. They help with arthritis and help with other aches and pains." Medical marijuana program expands In a related development, lawmakers also passed a bill expanding the state's medical marijuana program, increasing the number of dispensaries and qualifying conditions. Watch Eye on Politics at 7:30 a.m. Sunday on CBS News Texas, on air and streaming. Follow Jack on X: @cbs11jack
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Out Of Touch Or On A Mission? Patrick's Anti-THC Rant
In a press conference held this week, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick continued to staunchly defend Senate Bill 3 (SB 3), legislation aimed at banning all consumable THC products in the state. Patrick spoke to a room full of reporters about the bill's intent to protect the overall health of Texans, particularly for minors in the Lone Star State, by cutting all access to THC products that have continued to grow in popularity since the state-wide legalization of hemp in 2019. On a city-wide level, as previously covered by The Dallas Express, Dallas voters passed Proposition R in November of last year, making possession of under 4 ounces of marijuana the 'lowest priority' for local law enforcement. However, both efforts have continued to receive pushback from Patrick and other leaders like Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton's office has even sued a handful of municipalities for approving the relaxed laws on marijuana enforcement. 'This unconstitutional action by municipalities demonstrates why Texas must have a law to 'follow the law.' It's quite simple: the legislature passes every law after a full debate on the issues, and we don't allow cities the ability to create anarchy by picking and choosing the laws they enforce,' Paxton said in a press release published last year. SB 3, which has passed both legislative chambers, now seeks to ban all forms of THC, including Delta-8 and Delta-9 variants, currently sold regularly in gas stations and 'smoke shops,' while exempting 'non-intoxicating' cannabinoids like CBD and CBG. However, some details surrounding the bill seem to remain a bit cloudy. The bill will also allegedly allow for the state to maintain and continue running its Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Program, allowing limited medical use of low-THC cannabis products. However, Patrick has not yet clarified if the bill will impact the application process for the program. Critics argue that the ban could have significant economic repercussions, as previously reported by The Dallas Express, potentially dismantling Texas's $8 billion hemp industry and cutting off nearly 50,000 jobs. 'If this ban is passed, it would criminalize both consumers as well as sellers/distributors. Businesses in Texas would have to stop selling these products altogether, which would likely result in a lot of businesses closing up shop altogether,' Ben Michael, an attorney at Michael & Associates, previously told DX. 'This would also likely mean that larger companies based in other states would be limited with where or who they could sell to, leading to potential legal battles. Consumers in Texas could also face fines or charges for buying these products, even if they are for medical purposes, because it seems as though the ban essentially has no exceptions,' Michael added. Yet, Patrick seems deadset on pushing the ban forward. 'We cannot in good conscience leave Austin without banning THC, which is harming our children, and destroying Texans' lives and families,' The Texas Lieutenant General declared via X. Governor Greg Abbott has yet to say whether he will sign SB 3 into law. If enacted, the ban will take effect in September of this year.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Veterans lobby Governor Abbott on THC Ban as SB3 awaits signature
The Brief Governor Greg Abbott has yet to announce if he will sign or veto Senate Bill 3, which bans THC products. Veterans are lobbying the Governor to veto SB3, arguing that hemp-derived products are a positive alternative to opioids and alcohol. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick supports the ban, stating it's crucial for protecting children and expanding the Texas Compassionate Use Program as an alternative. Governor Abbott declined to say whether he'll sign Senate Bill 3 into law, banning THC products. The legislature sent the bill to the governor's desk, but some veterans are putting pressure on the governor to veto it. The Texas Department of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) says it has a meeting with Governor Greg Abbott's team tomorrow to talk about why the veteran organization wants him to veto SB3. During a news conference today, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and other lawmakers stressed that with the passing of SB3, they are expanding the Texas Compassionate Use Program as another option. The VFW said that's not enough. The fight is not over, as veterans are now lobbying for the governor to veto the bill. What they're saying The national and state legislative chairman for the Texas VFW, Mitch Fuller, says veterans testified in front of lawmakers about how these products have been a positive alternative to opioids and alcohol. "A blanket ban here is going to be pretty devastating to our community," said Fuller. "One of the points we've made is that a lot of us choose hemp-derived consumables because they're more affordable, accessible, and effective in many cases." Fuller says the VFW was happy to see the program expanded, but they want both options. Fuller has a meeting set up with the governor's team on Thursday. All he wants is for them to hear him out. "This is about letting veterans choose what works best for them," said Fuller. "We're combat veterans, we've been hit, we've been in rough environments, we've been knocked down, but we're not going to quit fighting." Senate bill three was a priority of Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. During a news conference on Wednesday, Patrick emphasized the importance of the bill and demonstrated it with products that he says contain THC. "Nothing is more important than keeping a kid from getting a hold of this junk!" Patrick, along with other lawmakers, acknowledged that there are some helpful products and another bill was passed to expand the Texas Compassionate Use program, which provides medical marijuana in limited situations. Since the bill passed through both the senate and house, it has moved to the governor's desk. A spokesperson for Governor Abbott told FOX 4 on Wednesday, "Governor Abbott will thoughtfully review any legislation sent to his desk." Patrick says he's not worried. "I pass bills, the governor either signs or vetoes them. I know the governor, I know where his heart is, and I know where he wants to be to protect children and adults." What's next Governor Abbott has 10 days to act after the end of the session. He can sign it, let it go into law without his signature, or veto it. The Source Information in this article was provided by the Texas Legislature and interviews conducted by FOX 4's Amelia Jones with the Texas VFW chairman.
