Texas Legislative Session Agenda Expansion
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has expanded the agenda for the upcoming legislative session by including a comprehensive study on prediction markets, cryptocurrencies, and blockchain technology. Announced on Friday, Patrick highlighted that these interim charges aim to strengthen the priorities of the state’s conservative leaders, particularly targeting digital assets and prediction markets.
Focus of the Study
The focus of this study will include examining the rapid growth of prediction markets and exploring ways to address loopholes in the state’s gambling laws, especially concerning markets tied to elections. The state is investigating whether adjusting federal regulations could help circumvent existing Texas gambling restrictions.
Alignment with Federal Regulations
In parallel, Patrick is advocating for enhanced alignment with federal regulations regarding cryptocurrency and blockchain, as well as an analysis of the crypto kiosks that are currently in operation throughout Texas.
National Context
Texas is not alone in its scrutiny of prediction markets; states like Nevada and Arizona have also initiated legal measures against platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi, reflecting a growing concern over these platforms.
Artificial Intelligence and Workforce Analysis
In addition to these initiatives, Patrick has called for an analysis on the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the Texas workforce and its potential effects on the state’s economic vitality. This comes in light of Google’s recent investment in a multibillion-dollar data center in Texas, aimed at supporting AI initiatives like Anthropic.
Upcoming Legislative Session
The Texas legislature convenes biannually and is set to begin its next 140-day session in January 2027. Notably, in the previous session, Texas became the first state in the nation to create a Bitcoin reserve, with the legislature passing a bill that was signed into law, followed by a $5 million Bitcoin purchase in November 2025.
