A coalition of conservative organizations is calling on Gov. Greg Abbott to convene a special legislative session to restrict executive emergency powers before Democrat Gina Hinojosa takes office in January.
At a press conference in Austin, State Rep. Brian Harrison (R–Midlothian) announced that more than 15,000 Texans had signed a petition supporting the effort, along with a coalition of conservative organizations including the Center for Renewing America, Texas Gun Rights, Gun Owners of America, Texas Eagle Forum, and True Texas Project.
“We should have limited our governor’s emergency powers a very long time ago,” Harrison said.
The coalition is urging lawmakers to prohibit governors from suspending or modifying state statutes, require legislative approval of emergency orders after 30 days, prevent rejected orders from being reissued, and subject emergency actions to expedited judicial review.
Harrison argued that the restrictions are necessary before Hinojosa assumes office, warning that she could use the powers to advance her agenda without legislative approval.
“Now is not the time for excuses. Now is the time for action. It’s what voters want, and it’s what they deserve,” Harrison said.
Not all Republicans agree with the push. In fact, the proposal has not yet received support from any other members of the legislature.
State Rep. Wes Virdell (R–Brady) said that while the Legislature should have restricted executive powers years ago, calling a special session now would be counterproductive.
“All but one of the most conservative members of the Texas House think a special session is a waste of taxpayer money and will not result in the goal that is intended,” Virdell said.
“It also comes across as rules for thee and not for me and as though we are sore losers,” he added.
Asked about the opposition, Harrison said Republicans have repeatedly made excuses for inaction.
“Can you guarantee success? No, but you can guarantee failure, and that’s if you do nothing,” he said.
Harrison acknowledged that no other state lawmakers had joined his coalition at the time of the press conference, though he pointed to support from U.S. Rep. Chip Roy and U.S. Sen. Rand Paul.
He also noted that Hinojosa and Attorney General-elect Nathan Johnson have previously supported limiting the governor’s emergency powers.
Abbott has not announced plans to call a special session.
