Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has called for a second special legislative session in Texas, beginning at noon on Friday, August 15. The Governor outlined 19 agenda items that lawmakers are expected to address during this session.

In his statement, Governor Abbott criticized House Democrats for not attending the previous session and delaying legislative action. "Delinquent House Democrats ran away from their responsibility to pass crucial legislation to benefit the lives of Texans," said Governor Abbott. "Because of their dereliction of duty, Texas families and communities impacted by the catastrophic Fourth of July flooding have been delayed critical resources for relief and recovery. Numerous other bills to cut property taxes, support human trafficking survivors, eliminate the STAAR test, establish commonsense THC regulations, and many others have all been brought to a halt because because Democrats refuse to show up for work. We will not back down from this fight. That's why I am calling them back today to finish the job. I will continue to use all necessary tools to ensure Texas delivers results for Texans."

The agenda includes proposals aimed at improving youth camp safety and enhancing early warning systems as well as emergency communications in flood-prone areas across Texas. Lawmakers are also expected to consider relief funding for regions affected by severe storms that began in early July 2025.

Other topics include efforts to streamline disaster preparation and recovery rules, eliminating the STAAR test in favor of new assessment tools, reducing property taxes with spending limits on taxing entities, and making it illegal to provide hemp-derived products containing THC to individuals under 21 years old.

Additional items cover comprehensive regulation of hemp-derived products without banning legal varieties, further protections against abortion-related harm, prohibiting taxpayer-funded lobbying activities, protecting victims of human trafficking from certain criminal liabilities, shielding law enforcement personnel records from public disclosure when complaints are unsubstantiated, and safeguarding privacy in women’s spaces.

The session will also address strengthening the Attorney General’s powers over election crime investigations and prosecutions; passing a congressional redistricting plan; providing stronger protections against title theft and deed fraud; authorizing incentives for water conservation projects by builders; and considering changes related to state judicial department operations.

A full list of agenda items is available through the Governor's office proclamation.