First special session ends, second special immediately begins
Date Posted: 8/15/2025 | Author: Tricia Cave
The first called special session of the 89th Legislature ended Friday morning as once again no quorum was present on the House floor. This was expected as Speaker Dustin Burrows (R–Lubbock) had announced Tuesday this would be the case if no quorum was present Friday morning.
Also as expected, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) immediately called a special session for noon Friday, with an almost identical agenda.
Burrows gaveled in the House to begin the second called special session at noon, with 97 members present on the floor, three short of a quorum. Burrows said that he expects quorum to be reestablished Monday and would immediately begin the process of referring bills at that time. Committee chairs, he stated, should be ready to hold hearings next week, with the intention of getting everything on the call accomplished and adjourning sine die by Labor Day weekend.
As always, stay tuned to Teach the Vote for updates from the ATPE lobby team, and be on the lookout for opportunities to engage in the coming week.
CONVERSATION
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
05/12/2026
House Public Education Committee holds first interim hearing of 2026
Lawmakers took up the House interim charge on the state of public education, as well as monitoring the newly enacted HB 1481, restricting cell phone use in schools.
05/11/2026
From The Texas Tribune: Teachers with national certification earn more, but Texas is questioning its worth
The National Board Certification is widely considered the most demanding for teachers. Texas leaders are examining whether it fits the state’s merit-based system.
05/08/2026
Teach the Vote’s Week in Review: May 8, 2026
The House Public Education Committee is gearing up for an interim hearing next week. Learn how to make your voice heard.