Gov. Rick Perry today announced his final decisions on legislation passed during the 83rd Regular Legislative Session. The governor applauded lawmakers for their work to keep Texas’ healthy economy the envy of the nation and a beacon for employers and families looking for the best opportunity to succeed.

Gov. Rick Perry today signed Senate Bill 21, which will require mandatory drug screening as a condition for the receipt of unemployment compensation benefits by certain individuals. The governor was joined by bill author Sen. Tommy Williams and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst for the signing ceremony.

Gov. Rick Perry today announced the state will invest $864,000 through the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) in Kohl's Department Stores, which is opening a customer service operations center in Dallas. Through the TEF investment, Kohl's is committed to creating 144 jobs and $54.9 million in capital investment, but anticipates creating more than 1,500 jobs at this facility.

Gov. Rick Perry today signed House Bill 308, which allows public school students and staff to use traditional holiday greetings and display religious scenes and symbols on school property.

The day of the West memorial service, President Obama stood in front of a grieving community and told them they would not be forgotten. He said his administration would stand with them, ready to help. We anticipate the president will hold true to his word and help us work with FEMA to ensure much-needed assistance reaches the community of West.

Ahead of his trip to New York, Gov. Rick Perry today released a radio ad that will play on nine stations in New York City and Albany, building on the TV ads airing on cable across Connecticut and New York this week.

Gov. Perry today expanded the call for the ongoing special session to include two new items: Legislation relating to the regulation of abortion procedures, providers and facilities; and Legislation relating to establishing a mandatory sentence of life with parole for a capital felony committed by a 17-year-old offender.

Gov. Rick Perry today expanded the special session call to include transportation funding.

Gov. Rick Perry today applauded efforts made this legislative session to set the bar even higher to ensure all Texas students are prepared for both college and career, bolstering our state’s world-class, skilled workforce.

Gov. Rick Perry will take Texas’ economic success story to Connecticut and New York Sunday, June 16 through Thursday, June 20, to meet with business leaders in the firearm, pharmaceutical and financial industries.

Gov. Rick Perry today signed House Bill 489, which allows individuals with disabilities to use the assistance of service animals in all public places, including retail businesses and restaurants, without having to show the qualifications or certifications of the assistance animal.

Governor Perry today announced that nominations are currently being accepted for the 2013 Star of Texas Awards, which honor peace officers, firefighters and emergency medical first responders who were killed or sustained a serious injury in the line of duty.

As part of National Hurricane Preparedness Week, Gov. Rick Perry is urging Texans to prepare their families and homes for the 2013 hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 through the end of November.

Gov. Rick Perry today issued the following statement on Motorola Mobility's announcement that it will create 2,000 jobs at its new Texas manufacturing facility, which according to the company will produce the first smartphone that is designed, engineered and assembled in the U.S.

Gov. Rick Perry today ceremonially signed House Bills 915 and 1227, which help improve the care children receive in Texas’ foster care system. The governor was joined by Reps. Lois Kolkhorst, Dawnna Dukes, Naomi Gonzalez and Elliott Naishtat at the signing ceremony.

Susan Combs has played a key role in cultivating the strength of the Texas economy, and has been a trusted and capable steward of the public accounts for many years. A major proponent of openness in government, she leaves behind a legacy of transparency, and a state that's more responsive, more accessible and more accountable to the public.

Gov. Rick Perry today ceremonially signed House Bill 4, which lays the foundation for meeting Texas’ water future water needs. HB 4 provides for active, full-time governance at the Texas Water Development Board; creates a new funding mechanism to support water-supply project implementation over the next 50 years; and directs local, regional and state officials to prioritize projects to ensure efficient use of available resources.

Gov. Rick Perry today announced a special session of the Texas Legislature will begin at 6:00 p.m. Monday, May 27.

Gov. Rick Perry today observed Memorial Day by signing Senate Bill 163, House Bill 97, Senate Bill 1476 and House Bill 1514, which provide important resources and support to veterans and surviving spouses of members of the military who have been killed in action.

Gov. Rick Perry vetoed SB 346 and HB 535, and filed SB 567 and HB 1600 without signature.