The history and power of Governors in terms of special sessions
Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune
A view of the rotunda at the state capitol. Jan. 8, 2018.
and last updated 2021-07-08 20:41:42-04
The special session that began Thursday, July 8, is not the only special session that is expected to take place this year.
In fact the Texas Constitution, Article 4 section 8(a), does not place time limits on the Governor s power to call for a special session. The Governor may, on extraordinary occasions, convene the Legislature at the seat of Government, or at a different place, in case that should be in possession of the public enemy or in case of the prevalence of disease threat. His proclamation therefor shall state specifically the purpose for which the Legislature is convened.