Texas Governor Abbott Calls Second Special Session with 19-Item Agenda Following House Quorum Failure
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Texas Governor Greg Abbott has convened Special Session #2 of the state legislature, effective immediately, following the abrupt end of the first special session due to a lack of quorum in the House. The new session, announced on August 15, 2025, presents a comprehensive 19-item agenda for lawmakers. Governor Abbott stated, "Texas will not back down from this fight," emphasizing his resolve to advance his legislative priorities.
The decision to call a second session comes just hours after the Texas House failed to pass a congressional redistricting map, as numerous Democratic members left the state to prevent a quorum. This political maneuver effectively ended the first special session without action on several key Republican initiatives. The Democratic walkout aimed to block the redrawing of congressional districts, which Republicans believe would secure additional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Governor Abbott's "monster agenda" for Special Session #2 includes a wide array of conservative issues. Lawmakers are tasked with considering school accountability reform, a ban on taxpayer-funded lobbying, and restrictions on hemp products for minors. Other significant items include property tax cuts, protections for women’s privacy in sex-segregated spaces, and increased safeguards for police personnel records.
A central component of the agenda remains the congressional redistricting plan, a contentious issue that spurred the Democratic walkout. Abbott has publicly criticized the absent Democrats, stating, "Delinquent House Democrats ran away from their responsibility to pass crucial legislation to benefit the lives of Texans." He further asserted his intention to "continue to use all necessary tools to ensure Texas delivers results for Texans."
Beyond redistricting, the agenda addresses critical issues such as flood relief and preparedness following catastrophic July flooding, camp safety regulations, and efforts to eliminate the STAAR test. The Governor has indicated a willingness to call "special session after special session" until his legislative goals are achieved, signaling a prolonged political standoff.