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Texas Lawmakers Convene Special Session to Tackle Flood Preparedness and GOP Agenda

Lawmakers will debate state-funded flood warning upgrades alongside conservative tax, education, voting reforms under Gov. Abbott’s directive.

Gov. Greg Abbott speaks at a news conference on July 08, 2025 in Hunt, Texas. Gov. Abbott announced more than 160 people still missing after deadly floods early Friday.
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Overview

  • Gov. Greg Abbott opened the 30-day session on July 21 with an 18-item agenda limited to issues he specified in his special session call.
  • Four proposals focus on improving flood warning systems, strengthening emergency communications, securing relief funding and streamlining disaster preparation and recovery after the deadly July 4 Hill Country floods.
  • Legislation to regulate hemp-derived THC products would criminalize sales to anyone under 21 and impose potency limits following Abbott’s veto of a full THC ban.
  • A rare mid-decade redistricting effort seeks to redraw congressional districts after a Department of Justice letter alleged racial gerrymandering in four majority-minority seats.
  • The session also includes measures for property tax cuts and spending caps, elimination of the STAAR exam and conservative governance reforms such as banning taxpayer-funded lobbying and expanding the attorney general’s authority.