Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick unveiled an expanded list of interim charges for the Texas Senate, setting the stage for policy debates leading into the 90th Legislative Session in 2027. The wide-ranging directives task Senate committees with studying some of the state’s most pressing and politically charged issues, including data center expansion, criminal justice reforms, surrogacy practices, gambling through prediction markets, electric grid reliability, and government accountability.
The latest set of charges builds on an earlier, more limited round released in January and reflects a broader effort to define the Senate’s legislative priorities ahead of the next session. Lawmakers will spend the interim months conducting hearings, gathering data, and preparing recommendations that could ultimately shape legislation when the session convenes.
A central theme running through the new charges is oversight of taxpayer-funded programs. Similar to priorities recently outlined in the Texas House, the Senate has been directed to identify and eliminate what Patrick described as fraud, waste, and abuse across state agencies. The effort signals continued emphasis on fiscal scrutiny and efficiency in government operations, an issue that has long resonated with conservative lawmakers and voters.
Among the most closely watched directives is a charge focused on surrogacy and fertility practices. Assigned to the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, the study will examine concerns about exploitation within the industry, including the role of foreign actors and ethical questions surrounding surrogacy arrangements. Lawmakers are expected to evaluate potential safeguards aimed at protecting patients and children, an issue that has gained traction as the industry grows in Texas.
Another key area of focus is the rapid expansion of data centers, particularly in rural parts of the state. These facilities, which support cloud computing and artificial intelligence operations, require substantial amounts of electricity and water. The Senate has been tasked with exploring how to balance the economic benefits of data center investment with concerns about land use, private property rights, water infrastructure, and the character of local communities. The issue has become increasingly prominent as rural residents and officials weigh the trade-offs associated with large-scale industrial development.
Insurance markets also remain under scrutiny, with lawmakers directed to study ways to ensure fair competition and affordability for Texas consumers. Rising premiums and limited coverage options in certain regions have made the issue a recurring concern for policymakers.
The release of the interim charges follows Patrick’s earlier announcement of Senate committee assignments, which come amid notable turnover in the chamber. Several departing members and committee chairs will continue to serve through the upcoming legislative session, maintaining continuity as new lawmakers prepare to take office. The announcement also included the creation of a new Senate Select Committee on Religious Liberty, underscoring an additional policy area expected to receive attention.
Patrick’s priorities extend beyond the interim charges themselves. He has continued to advocate for a sweeping property tax relief plan known as “Operation Double Nickel,” which would lower the age for senior homestead exemptions, increase exemption amounts, and impose tighter limits on local government taxation and spending. His approach differs from that of Greg Abbott, who has emphasized appraisal caps and local spending restrictions, setting up a potential policy clash between the state’s top leaders.
The interim charges also reinforce ongoing efforts to strengthen the state’s electric grid, an issue that has remained at the forefront since past reliability challenges. Additional focus areas include curbing local government budget growth and advancing what Patrick has described as a Texas-first policy agenda.
The 90th Legislative Session is scheduled to begin on January 12, 2027, with bill filing set to open on November 9, 2026. In the months ahead, Senate committees will begin the detailed work of translating these broad directives into actionable policy proposals, shaping the legislative battles to come.
