As the 89th Texas Legislature convenes in Austin, Texans should keep a close eye on the timeline that governs the legislative process. From filing deadlines to the last day of the session, these dates shape the flow of legislation and determine the opportunities for citizen engagement.
Below is a comprehensive look at this session’s key deadlines and milestones.
January 14, 2025: The Session Begins
The first day of the regular session marks the formal start of the legislative process. Lawmakers begin filing bills, discussing priorities, and organizing committees. This day sets the tone for the next 140 days.
February 2, 2025: Governor’s State of the State Address
Gov. Greg Abbott will deliver the State of the State address, outlining his legislative priorities for the session. This speech typically identifies key issues and designates “emergency items” that the legislature can consider immediately.
February 13, 2025: Committees Begin Work
On the 30th day of the session, committees can start considering legislation. This is a crucial stage where bills are debated, amended, and voted on within their assigned committees. The timeline for committee actions can make or break the progress of a bill.
March 14, 2025: The 60-Day Milestone
The 60th day of the session is pivotal for two reasons:
- Bill Filing Deadline: This is the last day for lawmakers to file new bills (except for certain emergency or local measures).
- Voting Begins: After this date, both the House and Senate can begin voting on all non-emergency legislation.
May 12, 2025: House Committees Report House Bills
By this date, House committees must report all House bills to ensure they have any chance to progress through the legislative process. Any House bill not reported out of committee by this deadline is effectively dead.
May 15, 2025: Deadline for House Bills
By this date (Day 122), the House must complete second readings of House bills and joint resolutions listed on the daily or supplemental calendar. Any House-originated legislation that hasn’t advanced to this stage is effectively dead.
May 16, 2025: Final House Readings
This is the last day for the House to consider:
- Consent House bills on the local and consent calendar (both second and third readings).
- All third reading House bills and joint resolutions.
May 23, 2025: Senate Bill Reporting Deadline
House committees must report all Senate bills and joint resolutions by this date (Day 130). This ensures that Senate-originated legislation has time to move through the remaining stages in the House.
May 27, 2025: Senate Bills’ Second Readings in the House
By Day 134, the House must complete second readings of Senate bills and joint resolutions on its calendar. Delays beyond this point spell the end for most remaining Senate-originated legislation.
May 28, 2025: Final Votes on Senate Bills
The House concludes its consideration of Senate bills on this day (Day 135), focusing on:
- Local and consent Senate bills (both second and third readings).
- All third reading Senate bills and joint resolutions.
June 2, 2025: Sine Die
The final day of the session, known as “Sine Die,” marks the conclusion of the legislative process.
June 22, 2025: Governor’s Signature Deadline
Gov. Abbott has 20 days after Sine Die to sign or veto bills passed during the session. Any bills not signed or vetoed by this date automatically become law.
September 1, 2025: Effective Date for Most New Laws
Most legislation passed during the session takes effect on this date unless otherwise specified. For Texans, this is when many of the changes made during the session begin to impact their daily lives.
Download a simple guide to these deadlines here:
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