Texas has held two special sessions in 2025. The first saw 282 bills introduced with none having passed both chambers. During this session the House lacked a quorum, as most House Democrats fled the state to prevent consideration of redistricting measures. The Texas legislature adjourned its second special session of 2025 on September 3, with 373 bills being introduced. Of the 21 bills that passed the legislature in the second special session, 4 have been signed so far by Governor Greg Abbott (R). Here is what you may have missed:
THC-Ban vs. Regulation
Although Texas’s two special sessions occurred in part due to an effort to reconcile differences between Governor Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick’s (R) stance on THC regulation, following Abbott’s veto of SB 3, the Texas legislature failed to pass a revised THC ban. SB 6 of the second special session passed the Senate, but died in the House, as did its predecessor bill, SB 5 of the first special session. When announcing the adjournment of the special session, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (R) confirmed that he and the Senate remain “for a total THC ban.” On September 10, Governor Abbott issued an executive order regulating hemp products. In doing so, he stated that “Texas will not wait when it comes to protecting children and families. While these products would still benefit from the kind of comprehensive regulation set by the Texas Legislature for substances like alcohol and tobacco, my executive order makes sure that kids are kept safe and parents have peace of mind now, and that consumers know the products they purchase are tested and labeled responsibly.”
Abortion
Texas passed HB 7 of the second special session, which would prohibit the manufacture, mailing, distribution, transportation, or prescription of abortion pills in the state or across state lines. This measure would also establish a system of private enforcement via the civil legal system, including a penalty of at least $100,000 per offense. This bill is a polished version of a similar bill that passed the Senate during the regular session. That bill received feedback from state healthcare associations which was inputted into the special session bill.
What’s Next
While another special session has not officially been announced, Governor Abbott (R) responded to questions about his willingness to wait until 2027 to address THC by stating that reporters should “stay tuned”.