Texas lawmakers reconvened in Austin for a 30-day special legislative session called by Gov. Greg Abbott to tackle flood relief, controversial redistricting, and legal THC regulation—issues likely to spark bipartisan debate.
Governor Greg Abbott called a 30-day special legislative session on July 21 to address disastrous flooding, congressional redistricting, and THC laws.
After more than 130 people died in the July 4 Texas Hill Country floods, Abbott's agenda includes catastrophe recovery, flood alarm systems, and emergency preparedness. “We must ensure better preparation for such events in the future,” Abbott added.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows created special committees to assess Texas's storm response. AccuWeather predicts damage at $18–22 billion, with three Kerr County residents missing.
Disaster response has bipartisan support, but Abbott's other measures, especially mid-decade redistricting, have divided opinion. Abbott wants congressional maps altered before the 2026 midterms, citing a July Department of Justice letter that labeled four Texas districts illegal racial gerrymanders.
The DOJ's worries provide legal protection, but critics call it a political power grab. Former President Donald Trump wants Texas to gain five Republican congressional seats, fueling those concerns. Austin Rep. Greg Casar labeled the idea “an attempt to rig the midterms,” and Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu warned Democrats could break quorum to stop it.
THC regulation is another hotspot. Abbott rejected a hemp-derived THC product prohibition but encouraged the legislature to set age limitations, labeling standards, and school restrictions. After criticizing THC products, Lt. Gov. Patrick supports a ban, stating that regulation is unenforceable.
“We can’t regulate 8,000 stores,” Patrick stated. "You cannot control this industry."
Democrats have committed to opposing controversial ideas to restrict transgender bathroom access and increase penalties for abortion pill providers.
Lawmakers are under pressure to deliver outcomes in 30 days. Abbott may convene another special session if the legislature does not act on his priorities.
“This special session is not just about legislation—it’s about what kind of Texas we’re building after disaster,” Wu added. “And Democrats will fight for every Texan.”
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