Gov. Greg Abbott has called a special session of the Texas Legislature to address a number of bills that he vetoed or were filed without his signature. The session will start on July 21 and last up to 30 days.
Here’s what you need to know:
📋 Abbott Sets the Agenda
As governor, Abbott decides what is on the agenda for a special session, according to the Texas Constitution. Lawmakers will not be allowed to discuss items that are not on the governor’s agenda, which can include an unlimited number of topics.
📣 The Governor Can Call for More Than One Special Session
Once this session’s 30 days are up, Abbott is allowed to call for another one as soon as the same day, the Texas Constitution says. Abbott could call as many special sessions as he wants before the next regular legislative session in 2027.
⚖️ Abbott Is Eyeing Certain Bills for Discussion
While the governor’s official agenda has not yet been released, Abbott has announced that he plans to include these six bills:
- Senate Bill 3: Relating to the regulation of products derived from hemp, including consumable hemp products and the hemp-derived cannabinoids contained in those products.
- Senate Bill 648: Relating to recording requirements for certain instruments concerning real property.
- Senate Bill 1253: Relating to impact and production fees for certain water projects and to the regulation of certain wells; authorizing a fee.
- Senate Bill 1278: Relating to an affirmative defense to prosecution for victims of trafficking of persons or compelling prostitution.
- Senate Bill 1758: Relating to the operation of a cement kiln and the production of aggregates near a semiconductor wafer manufacturing facility.
- Senate Bill 2878: Relating to the operation and administration of and practices and procedures related to proceedings in the judicial branch of state government.
