What to Expect From Texas' Special Session

 By Alex Samuels

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday he was calling lawmakers back to the Capitol for a special session in mid-July to work on an ambitious 20-item agenda.

 
The announcement comes after both chambers failed to pass must-pass “sunset” legislation, jeopardizing several government agencies, including the Texas Medical Board, which licenses doctors across the state.

 

We’ve compiled an overview of what Texans should expect this summer as lawmakers return to Austin.

What is a special session?

 

A special session amounts to legislative overtime. If lawmakers reach a stalemate on key issues or if the governor decides the legislative show must go on, he or she can call for a special session.

 

The premise is similar to that of a regular session — except the governor's the one calling the shots this time. During a regular session, lawmakers can consider bills on any topic; during a special, if a bill is not on the governor's agenda, it's out of bounds. Another difference is the time — legislators only have 30 days to do their work. And unlike the predictability of a regular session, the governor can call a special session at any time, without any warning.