Texas in the News Quiz November 1, 2021

Sine Die: Wrapping up the Third Special Session

We typically see the Texas Legislature in session for 140 days every two years. But we also know that the Governor can call a special session—and set the specific agenda for that session—whenever the need arises, or the Governor has unfinished political business. The Governor’s “call” isn’t just determined by the governor, however—members of the legislature, the Lieutenant Governor, and even the former President all weighed in on what should be included in Texas’ third called special session.

In the just-finished third special session of the year, lawmakers had a full plate. The lawmakers tackled budget issues, transgender athletes in public school sports, and a Covid-19 vaccine mandate ban. Observers claim it was a major shift to the right ideologically as Republican legislators pushed to pass conservative bills. Some conservatives, however, argue that the legislature didn’t go far enough to pass conservative bills, especially on property tax relief proposals.

The Governor announced he has “no plans for a fourth special session at this time,” so lawmakers can return home to their districts and legislative staff can get a breather. However, this decision is at the Governor’s whim, so another called special session may occur before next year’s primary elections.

Read the following articles to get a more complete view of what happened in the special session:

• Five takeaways from Texas’ third special legislative session
• Texas Republicans seal their shift to the right as third special session nears end