It has been more than two weeks since the Texas Legislature gaveled out its 2025 session, but lawmakers may want to keep their summer plans on hold for now. Gov. Greg Abbott is still considering a special session. Abbott told the Harris County Lincoln-Reagan dinner last weekend that he was disappointed some key items did not pass this session, adding, "All I can say is we may not be done yet."
In particular, Abbott cited the failure of a bill to ban taxpayer-funded lobbying by local governments. That is also among the items cited by the Texas GOP in its calls for a special session. Border and crime advocates called out the failure of Jocelyn's Law to restrict bail for illegal aliens charged with violent crimes. Other Republicans, like State Rep. Briscoe Cain, were disappointed in the failure of conservative legislation this session and are calling for more property tax relief.
But it could be another major issue at the center of a special session. "I think there's a 50-50 chance they'll be back in July, and if they do I think this whole issue of redistricting will be added to the docket," says Bill Miller, Texas political consultant. "If that happens, you'll have quite a war going on in Austin about redistricting to create some new Republican seats."
Abbott has until June 23 to decide whether to veto or sign bills from the legislative session, but he's expected to make a decision on a special session shortly after that. "If he's going to do something, he needs to announce it earlier, not later," says Miller. "I think it would include multiple items, but I think if (Abbott) calls people back it will be mainly for redistricting, not about taxpayer-funded lobbying or anything else."
"I think his idea is if I'm gonna bring 'em back, then we're gonna redistrict and try to create some new Congressional seats."
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