Texas Democrats, who campaigned on centrist economic messaging ahead of the midterms, wasted no time unveiling a sweeping progressive agenda after securing control of the state House and governorship. On the first day of bill pre-filing for the 2027 legislative session, lawmakers introduced measures to roll back abortion restrictions, repeal bans on gender-affirming care for minors, and implement strict new gun control laws β signaling a sharp left turn for the traditionally red state.
Reversing Conservative Policies
At the forefront is HB 126, filed by Austin Democrat Donna Howard, which would repeal Texas’s abortion ban and overturn SB 14, the 2023 law prohibiting puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgical care for transgender youth. The bill would also restore Medicaid funding for such treatments. Trans activist Erin Reed called it a “sweeping repeal” that shows Democrats are making trans rights central to their platform.
Gun Control Push
The NRA flagged 35 firearm-related bills filed Monday alone, including SB 80 by Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) to ban “assault weapons” β defined as semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines and features like pistol grips. Seven other bills would restrict gun ownership for adults under 21, with HB 173 making it a crime to sell certain semi-automatic rifles to those underage.
DEI and Immigration
Other notable filings include SB 125 to reverse Texas’s ban on DEI programs in higher education and measures to stop sheriffs from cooperating with ICE. The flurry of progressive legislation marks a dramatic shift for Texas Democrats, who had downplayed culture war issues during campaigns while emphasizing affordability concerns.
With 1,262 bills pre-filed on the first day and more expected before session begins in January 2027, the filings offer an early look at how Democrats plan to govern their new majority β one likely to spark fierce debate in the traditionally conservative state.
Source: thefederalist.com β https://thefederalist.com/2026/11/10/texas-democrats-pre-file-a-flood-of-hard-left-bills-for-the-upcoming-session/