On June 23rd, Governor Greg Abbott announced a special session of the Texas Legislature on the heels of the 89th Regular Session.

The special session will focus on topics chosen by the Governor, including the regulation of consumable hemp products like gummies and other edibles containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — a hot topic in Texas politics!

When does the special session begin?

The 1st Called Session begins on Monday, July 21st.

How long will the session last?

It depends. According to Article 3, Section 40 of the Texas Constitution, a special session can last up to 30 days, although the session can end before that.

The Governor can call more sessions if there are any issues that still need to be addressed. There is no limit to the number of special sessions that can be called.

What will the session be about?

Unlike regular sessions, special sessions have a narrow focus. The Texas Constitution limits the Legislature to topics the Governor designates.

The official agenda has not been released yet, but Governor Abbott’s press release includes a list of vetoed and unsigned bills that will appear on the agenda. The Governor can add more topics to the final agenda.

Update: The official agenda was released on Wednesday, July 9th.

SB 3: Regulation of Hemp Products

Senate Bill 3 would have prohibited the sale of nearly all consumable hemp products containing THC. The bill analysis from the House Research Organization summarizes the changes SB 3 would have made. Those proposed restrictions would not have applied to Texas’s Compassionate Use Program, which allows physicians to prescribe low-THC cannabis products for people with certain medical conditions. 

You can read the Governor’s veto proclamation on Texas Legislature Online (TLO). The upcoming special session will focus on enacting a regulatory framework for consumable hemp products that contain THC. The veto proclamation lists potential regulations for the Legislature to consider. 

SB 3 was the last bill to be vetoed before the deadline and has garnered the most media attention. Other bills mentioned in the Governor’s press release include:

• Senate Bill 648: This would have added new requirements for affidavits of heirship. The Governor’s veto proclamation requests that any changes be made in a way that doesn’t burden low-income Texans who are unable to obtain legal representation.
• Senate Bill 1253: This sought to encourage water conservation by allowing political subdivisions to reduce water and wastewater impact fees in certain situations. Governor Abbott’s veto proclamation says this bill changed dramatically in its third reading in the House. He requests it be reworked to more effectively protect the rights of private property owners.
• Senate Bill 1278: This would have established an affirmative defense to trafficking or compelling prostitution for a person who was coerced or threatened under specific circumstances. The Governor’s veto proclamation says the bill goes beyond aiding and supporting victims of human trafficking. He would like a more narrowly tailored piece of legislation.
• Senate Bill 1758: This would have regulated the operation of a cement kiln in relation to semiconductor manufacturing. This bill did become law, but Governor Abbott’s signature statement warns that the bill could be an unconstitutional taking and asks the Legislature to address it during the special session.
• Senate Bill 2878: This is an expansive bill that would have added and amended many new judicial branch procedures and districts. The Governor’s veto proclamation suggests eliminating some of the policy proposals in the bill.

Keeping Up with the Special Session

As always, TLO is the best place to stay up to date with any new legislation and information. The agenda for the 1st Called Session will likely be added soon.

The Legislative Reference Library is also a great resource for any current or historical legislative research.

We’re also happy to help you find any new legislation and tackle any other legal research questions! Find us by phone or e-mail through our Ask a Librarian service.