Just a few weeks after the regular legislative session came to a close, Gov. Greg Abbott announced the first of multiple special sessions would be set to begin on July 8.
While the Legislature meets for 140 days every two years, the governor can call a special session lasting up to 30 days at a time on items he chooses.
Abbott has not yet announced which items will be addressed in the first special session, but he has previously indicated that he would call lawmakers to address election integrity, bail reform, critical race theory, and other issues.
At least one additional special session will be required in the fall to address redistricting.
Some House Democrats, who were enabled to kill election integrity legislation in the final hours of the regular session last month, have indicated they may decline to appear for a special session, denying the chamber a quorum to pass bills.
