Further Development: Governor Mentions Possible Call for Special Legislative Gathering
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It's been over two weeks since Texas Legislature wrapped up their 2025 session, but it's possible lawmakers might need to hang onto their summer vacation plans, as Governor Greg Abbott is still pondering the idea of a special session. During a recent speech at the Harris County Lincoln-Reagan dinner, the governor shared his disappointment over some key bills that failed to pass during the regular session. Summing things up, he said, "All I can say is we may not be done yet."
Specifically, Abbott criticized the stall on a bill banning taxpayer-funded lobbying by local governments. Notably, this is one of the main items mentioned by the Texas GOP in their calls for a special session. Another topic causing discontent is the failure of Jocelyn's Law to restrict bail for illegal aliens charged with violent crimes. Some legislators, like State Rep. Briscoe Cain, express disappointment over the lack of conservative legislation during the regular session and have called for more property tax relief.
A potential major topic for any upcoming special session is redistricting, according to Bill Miller, a Texas political consultant. Miller speculates that there's a 50-50 chance that lawmakers will return in July, and if they do, redistricting would likely be added to the agenda. This could lead to a heated debate in Austin over the creation of new Republican seats.
As of now, Abbott has until June 23 to make a decision on whether to veto or sign bills from the legislative session, but a decision on a special session is expected shortly afterwards. Miller believes that if Abbott decides to call lawmakers back, the primary focus will be on redistricting rather than taxpayer-funded lobbying or other issues.
Miller further emphasized, "If he's going to bring 'em back, then we're gonna redistrict and try to create some new Congressional seats."
Education-related issues, judicial pay raises, THC and hemp industry regulation, and various other policy areas could be possible focal points should a special session be called. Governor Abbott's decisions on vetoes from the regular session could influence whether a special session happens and what its focus might be. While there's no firm date or declared topics for a potential special session as of early June, it's clear that Governor Abbott could take action anytime after June 22 if he deems unfinished business or new priorities require legislative action.
The governance debate in Texas continues as Governor Greg Abbott contemplates a special session, with redistricting emerging as a potential major topic should one be convened. Despite the conclusion of the 2025 session, the possibility of unfinished business in policy-and-legislation areas such as redistricting, education, judicial pay raises, THC and hemp industry regulation, and various other policy areas lingers, dependent on Governor Abbott's decisions on vetoes from the regular session. The nature and focus of a potential special session remain unsettled, with politics surrounding not only redistricting but also issues like taxpayer-funded lobbying by local governments, Jocelyn's Law, and property tax relief.
