Special Session

The regular session adjourned Monday evening around 6PM. However, Governor Abbott called a special session, beginning at 9PM this evening. Called sessions may run up to 30 days, meaning that this will end no later than June 27.

We don’t expect this session to go the full 30 days. The governor signaled in his release that he plans to have a series of sessions with limited calls to focus on his various priorities. This session, the call will include property tax relief and human trafficking. We should not be pulled into this session on higher education-related issues. We will also have to deal with the legislature remaining in town- committees may meet whether or not their subject matter is related to the call, and even hear bills. Bills may be filed by members on any subject. Such bills die when they go to the floor and are reviewed by the parliamentarian for their germaneness to the call. We often seen such bills filed, and in unusual instances seen them heard, which means we have to pay attention and track them.

I also remind you that, notwithstanding the narrowness of the call indicated, the governor can add subjects to the call at any point during a special session. Lt Governor Patrick signaled his desire to revisit SB 16, the CRT bill, in a letter to the governor today. So, again, vigilance is required.

Finally, since members are having to be in town, we do have some opportunities for meetings and issue education while they are here. We will pursue such activities carefully.