Capitol Weekly

Special Session Update

August 11, 2025

The Special Session has delivered high-stakes drama and critical policy debates. Lawmakers are grappling with contentious issues, from redrawing congressional districts to strengthening the state’s disaster response in the wake of recent floods. Tensions in the Capitol have run high, with procedural maneuvers and passionate testimony setting the tone for a session that could shape Texas politics and public safety for years to come.

Democrats Block Redistricting Bill by Breaking Quorum

In a dramatic turn at the Texas Capitol, House Democrats broke quorum last week by leaving the state, effectively halting progress on the congressional redistricting process. By denying the chamber the minimum number of members required to conduct official business, Democratic lawmakers hope to block the advancement of high-profile redistricting legislation—SB 4 by Sen. Phil King (R-Weatherford) and HB 4 by Rep. Todd Hunter (R-Corpus Christi). Both bills are central to ongoing debates over how congressional boundaries will be drawn in the state, with significant implications for political representation and future elections.

The walkout has left the status of both SB 4 and HB 4 in limbo, along with all the other items on the Governor’s Special Session agenda. Supporters of the bills argue that new maps are necessary to reflect population growth and demographic shifts, while opponents raise concerns about fairness and potential gerrymandering.

The House was unable to establish a quorum through Saturday, with only 95 members present. Speaker Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) detailed the actions currently underway to address the absence of quorum among democratic members. He confirmed collaboration with law enforcement agencies from other states to enforce warrants, while the FBI is assisting in locating the absent legislators. Furthermore, absent members are now subject to a $500 daily fine, a 30% reduction in their office operating budgets, and must collect paychecks in person. As the lack of quorum persists, the implications for redistricting and Texas's broader political landscape remain unresolved.

Disaster Response and Recovery

Despite the quorum break, the House and Senate continue hearings on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. The July 4^th Floods highlighted weaknesses in the state’s emergency management response during disasters. Both the Texas House and Senate have held extensive hearings since the start of the special session to evaluate the state's preparedness, response capabilities, and long-term recovery strategies.

Lawmakers have heard testimony from emergency management officials, local leaders, and disaster response experts, all of whom emphasized the importance of proactive planning, improved communication systems, and enhanced resources to better support Texans in times of crisis.

Committee members raised questions about current response protocols, funding for local jurisdictions, and the coordination of communication between state and municipal agencies during major weather events. In response to the hearings, several proposals have been filed:

HB 1 by Rep. Ken King (R-Canadian) strengthens disaster response by improving mass fatality management and training justices of the peace in counties without medical examiners. The bill introduces tiered emergency manager licenses with specified training and experience requirements and authorizes the Texas Division of Emergency Management to conduct criminal background checks on license and volunteer applicants. It also mandates a Statewide Volunteer Management System for organizing disaster response volunteers, creates a rapid response team and a centralized data system for mass fatalities, and requires standardized communication protocols during disasters.  

HB 2, introduced by Rep. Ken King (R-Canadian), creates the Texas Interoperability Council to oversee a statewide emergency communication interoperability strategy and administer a grant program to help local governments obtain equipment and build infrastructure for emergency communications.  

HB 18 by Rep. Greg Bonnen (R-Galveston) expands the comptroller's authority to fund emergency communication systems, including early warning notifications for natural disasters and interoperable emergency radio systems.

HB 19 by Rep. Drew Darby (R-San Angelo) would require Texas campgrounds to create mandatory flood disaster plans and enforces compliance through civil penalties.

HB 20 by Rep. Drew Darby (R-San Angelo) aims to ensure only legitimate disaster relief groups can request donations, strengthening consumer protection and public trust during crises.

SB 1 by Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) introduces significant changes to disaster preparedness and response protocols in Texas based on lessons learned from the July 4^th Floods. Key components in the bill include:

1. Inquest Exemptions: Justices of the peace are not required to conduct inquests into deaths resulting from natural disasters when it has been established that no unlawful acts contributed to the cause of death.
2. Training for Justices of the Peace: Comprehensive training is required for justices of the peace in counties without medical examiners to ensure effective management of mass fatality incidents.
3. Emergency Manager Licenses: Establishment of a licensing system for emergency managers, requiring applicants to meet specific training and experience criteria and submit to a criminal history check.
4. Volunteer Management System: Creation of a statewide system to register, credential, and manage volunteers in disaster response, with provisions for criminal history checks.
5. Campground Safety: New safety requirements for campgrounds located in floodplains, including emergency ladders and evacuation plans.
6. Post-Disaster Reporting: Local emergency management agencies must conduct after-action reports post-disaster.

SB 2, authored by Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston), seeks to implement regulations and guidelines governing the installation and maintenance of outdoor warning sirens in regions of Texas that are susceptible to flooding. The legislation is designed to improve public safety by ensuring effective warning systems are available for residents in high-risk flood areas.

The House has conducted hearings on all four house bills but cannot proceed with consideration by the full House until a quorum is established. Further, Speaker Burrows announced that HB 3 will be filed today which will be an omnibus emergency response and funding bill. The Senate advanced their emergency management bills from committee on Friday and plan to consider these bills on the Senate Floor this week.

Senate Passes SB 9: Voter Approval Required for Local Government Tax Rate Increases

The Texas Senate recently passed SB 9 by Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) on Wednesday, shifting how local governments can raise property tax rates. SB 9 requires local governmental entities, such as cities and counties, to obtain explicit voter approval before adopting a property tax rate that exceeds the state-defined “voter approval tax rate.” This measure is designed to increase taxpayer oversight and accountability in local fiscal decisions.

Supporters argue that SB 9 safeguards property owners from unexpected or excessive tax increases by requiring their direct consent, and increases transparency in local government budgeting, ensuring that tax hikes reflect the will of the community rather than unilateral decisions by officials. Those concerned with the legislation contend that the bill limits local governments’ ability to respond swiftly to emergency funding needs, such as disaster recovery or infrastructure repairs. Additionally, some local officials expressed concern that strict voter approval requirements could lead to funding gaps for essential services, from public safety to education, especially in rapidly growing communities.

The passage of SB 9 reflects the ongoing debate in Texas over balancing local control, fiscal responsibility, and taxpayer protections. The bill now advances to the House for further consideration.

Electricity Distribution Companies Seek Cost Recovery for Disaster Cleanup

As an industry, we remain vigilant in tracking legislation and regulatory action that might increase electricity costs for our member sites. HB 222, filed by Rep. Will Metcalf (R-Conroe) addresses how electricity distribution companies may recover costs incurred during disaster cleanup efforts. Under this legislation, utilities would have an explicit pathway to recoup disaster cleanup costs from ratepayers, which could result in increases in customers’ monthly bills. Additionally, because the frequency and scale of disasters are unpredictable in Texas, the financial impact on consumers could vary widely from year to year. The bill has not been granted a hearing, and we will continue to monitor its progress throughout this special session.

Other Hot Topics of the Special Session

THC Regulation

SB 5 by Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) and HB 5 by Rep. Gary VanDeaver (R-New Boston) is a comprehensive regulation of the production, sale, and distribution of consumable hemp products. The bill requires businesses selling THC products, that are not banned under the legislation, to be licensed and registered.

SB 5 was considered by the Senate State Affairs Committee early in the Special Session. Individuals providing testimony included law enforcement officials, healthcare professionals, industry representatives, advocacy groups, and members of the public. The testimonies covered topics including public safety, medical access to THC products, economic impacts of regulation, and regulatory enforcement. SB 5 proceeded from committee to the Senate Floor, where it was debated on August 1st and passed by a vote of 21 to 8.

Water Conservation Tax Credits for Real Estate Developers

SB 13 by Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock) focuses on providing water conservation tax credits to real estate developers as an incentive to promote sustainable building practices in Texas. This bill was refiled after Governor Abbott vetoed a similar measure during the regular session and subsequently included it on the special session agenda. The bill addresses ongoing issues related to water scarcity and proposes new conservation strategies. SB 13 was discussed in the Senate on Friday and will advance to the full Senate for debate early next week.

STAAR Testing

SB 8 by Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) addresses modifications to the STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) testing process. The bill has drawn significant interest from educators, parents, and lawmakers focused on public school assessment reform. SB 8 was passed by Senate Education Committee on Wednesday and will soon be debated by the full Senate.  

Bathroom Bill 2.0

SB 7 by Sen. Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston), the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, is commonly referred to as the "Bathroom Bill." The bill regulates the designation and use of certain public spaces based on individuals' biological sex as determined at birth. Under this legislation, multiple-occupancy private spaces managed by state agencies and political subdivisions—including restrooms and locker rooms—are designated for use solely by persons whose biological sex matches that stated on their birth certificates.

Committee testimonies from both supporters and opponents highlighted deeply held views about privacy, security, and inclusivity. SB 7 advanced to the Senate floor for further debate. Senators engaged in extended dialogue, addressing amendments and raising questions about enforcement, compliance, and the broader consequences for Texas institutions. The bill passed the Senate on Wednesday with a vote of 19 to 2.

Looking Forward

The movement of legislation and determination of hearings and floor debates hinges on the attendance of four additional Democratic house members this week, which would effectively resolve the quorum break. Meanwhile, the Senate is passing bills that are piling up outside the House Chamber until business resumes. Stay tuned!