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.
Fresh off the defeat of two of his legislative priorities on Sunday night when Democrats abandoned the Texas House to block a sweeping elections bill,.
A bill that would expand state reimbursement for lost property tax revenue due to the 100% disabled veterans property tax exemption, known as House Bill 125, is effectively dead after it failed to get to a floor vote by midnight Thursday, which was the deadline for bills to be voted on in the House.
The bill would have expanded eligibility to Harker Heights, Nolanville and other cities within 2 miles of a military base. Currently, Killeen, Copperas Cove and cities directly adjacent qualify for the reimbursed funding.
âWeâre disappointed that we didnât get it through,â Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, who sponsored the bill, said on Saturday.