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Governor Greg Abbott has vetoed Senate Bill 3, a proposed ban on consumable hemp products containing thc, keeping Texas' hemp industry alive. The move was made just before Sunday’s veto deadline and puts Abbott at odds with Patrick, who had called the bill one of his top priorities.
Lt. Gov.Patrick took his campaign public, filming videos warning about what he called dangerous products. But opposition came from all sides, including conservatives, veterans, and farmers who urged the governor to veto the bill and focus on regulation instead.
Critics of SB 3 said banning the products would hurt small businesses and patients who rely on them for pain relief. Abbott’s veto preserves access for now, but the clash signals deeper divisions within the Texas GOP leadership.
The Governor also announced he will call a Special Session to begin on Monday, July 21, along with an initial list of agenda items.
- Senate Bill 3: Relating to the regulation of products derived from hemp, including consumable hemp products and the hemp-derived cannabinoids contained in those products.
- Senate Bill 648: Relating to recording requirements for certain instruments concerning real property.
- Senate Bill 1253: Relating to impact and production fees for certain water projects and to the regulation of certain wells; authorizing a fee.
- Senate Bill 1278: Relating to an affirmative defense to prosecution for victims of trafficking of persons or compelling prostitution.
- Senate Bill 1758: Relating to the operation of a cement kiln and the production of aggregates near a semiconductor wafer manufacturing facility.
- Senate Bill 2878: Relating to the operation and administration of and practices and procedures related to proceedings in the judicial branch of state government.