Proponents of the legislation say it's necessary to ensure landlords can regain possession of their property faster. Tenant advocates warn these bills could strip renters of legal rights in a state where they currently have few.

Although Republicans have run state government for two decades, the governor said he was "shocked" to learn Texas has fifth highest regulatory burden.

The first bill to reach Abbott’s desk this session creates a regulation-cutting state agency under the purview of the governor. It was passed with bipartisan supermajorities.