08/07/2025

Capitol Chemistry with Mia

1^st Called Special Session of the 89^th Texas Legislature

The First Called Special Session of the 89th Texas Legislature began on Monday, July 21st, starting the 30-day countdown for legislative action. The Legislature quickly scheduled hearings focused on the Governor’s agenda, which includes topics such as congressional redistricting, flood emergency communications, and water incentives. The Texas Chemical Council (TCC) is actively monitoring approximately 250 bills and resolutions that have been filed.

Governor’s Special Session Priorities

Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation on July 9th identifying 18 agenda items for the special session. The Texas Constitution allows the Legislature to pass legislation only on topics set forth by the Governor during special sessions. The priorities include:

• Flood Warning Systems
• Flood Emergency Communications
• Relief Funding for Hill Country Floods
• Natural Disaster Preparation and Recovery
• Eliminate STAAR Test
• Cut Property Taxes
• Protect Children From THC
• Regulate Hemp-Derived Products
• Protect Unborn Children
• Ban Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
• Protect Human Trafficking Victims
• Police Personnel Records
• Protect Women’s Spaces
• Attorney General Election Fraud Prosecutorial Powers
• Redistricting
• Title Theft and Deed Fraud
• Water Project Incentives
• State Judicial Department

To view the Governor’s special session proclamation, visit here.

House Democrats Break Quorum to Prevent Congressional Redistricting

The ongoing redistricting battle in Texas has reached a critical juncture, with significant implications for the state's political landscape and the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.

This high-stakes showdown results from efforts by Republicans in Texas pushing for a new congressional map that could potentially give them up to five additional seats in the U.S. House. This effort is part of a broader strategy to solidify their majority ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. President Donald Trump has been vocal about the party's entitlement to these seats, emphasizing the importance of this redistricting effort.

In a dramatic turn of events, Texas House Democrats have fled the state to block the redistricting vote. Their departure has deprives the Texas House of the quorum needed to pass the new map. The Democratic legislators are currently in several Democrat controlled states with support from sympathetic governors. The quorum-breakers have asserted that they will not return before the conclusion of this Special Session on August 19^th.

On Monday, August 4^th, pursuant to a motion by Representative Charlie Geren (R-Ft. Worth) and approved with 86 votes, House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) placed a “Call on the House” compelling the attendance of legislators who are absent from the chamber and requiring those in attendance to remain in the chamber.

The Speaker also authorized the House Sergeant-at-Arms and her officers to send for all absent legislators securing their attendance, under warrant of arrest if necessary, until further order of the House. He subsequently issued civil arrest warrants for those members who have not shown up to roll call. Those warrants are only effective within the state line.

Governor Greg Abbott has responded with threats to remove the fleeing Democrats from office and has suggested that fundraising to pay for their daily fines, $500 per day absent, is a criminal offense. The situation remains tense as both sides stand their ground and prepare for next steps.

The outcome of this redistricting battle could have nationwide implications. With the Republicans holding a slim majority in the U.S. House, gaining additional seats in Texas could be crucial for maintaining control. Conversely, the Democrats' efforts to block the new map highlight the high stakes and the potential for significant shifts in political power.

The Texas redistricting battle is far from over, and its outcome will undoubtedly shape politics in our state for years to come.

Disaster Preparedness & Flooding

During the first week of special session, the Senate and House Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness & Flooding held a joint session to hear invited testimony from state agencies regarding the state’s response to the deadly flash floods that occurred on July 4th in central and east Texas. Testimony addressed the state’s flood planning, infrastructure, and first responder communications during disasters. The two select committees met in Kerr County to hear from local elected officials, emergency response agencies, and community members on July 31, 2025.

Moving Forward

As the 1^st Called Special Session progresses, TCC will continue to monitor and communicate with member companies about legislation that could impact our industry.

As citizens of our great state, your voice is always important to TCC and the legislators who represent you. You can follow the progress of the special session on both the House and Senate websites. Additionally, never hesitate to reach out to our Government Affairs team with questions.

Mia Garza McCord
VP of Government Affairs
mccord@texaschemistry.org

Kolton McDougald
Director of Government Affairs
mcdougald@texaschemistry.org

Logan Harrell
General Counsel
harrell@texaschemistry.org