Who Can Call a Special Session in Texas? It's Not the Lone Star State's Biggest Mystery, But...
So, you wanna know who gets to call the shots and bring the Texas Legislature back from summer vacation? Well, buckle up, because it's not as complicated as figuring out what flavor Blue Bell to buy.
The Governor: The Boss of the Special Session Ball
Let's get this straight: the Governor is the only one who can call a special session in Texas. It's like saying only Beyoncé can slay a concert – no one else even comes close. The Governor gets to decide when the legislature needs to reconvene, and what they're going to talk about. It's their show, and everyone else is just along for the ride.
But don't get too excited, folks. The Governor can't just call a special session for any old reason. There has to be an "extraordinary occasion" – like a natural disaster, a budget crisis, or something equally dramatic. So, don't expect a special session just because your favorite taco truck closed down.
Special Sessions: The Legislative Speed Dating
Special sessions are like a whirlwind romance – intense, short, and full of drama. They can only last for 30 days, and the Governor picks the agenda. It's like speed dating, but instead of finding love, they're trying to pass laws.
Fun fact: The Governor can call as many special sessions as they want, back-to-back if they really want to keep the legislators on their toes. It's like a boss who just can't let go of work.
So, What Can They Do in a Special Session?
The Governor gets to pick the topics for the special session, so it can be anything from fixing the budget to redrawing district lines. It's like a legislative buffet, and the Governor is the chef.
But here's the kicker: even if the legislature passes a bunch of bills during the special session, they still have to go to the Governor to be signed into law. So, the Governor has the final say, even after all that hard work.
How to... Special Session Edition
- How to call a special session: You can't. Only the Governor can.
- How to survive a special session: Bring lots of coffee and snacks.
- How to influence a special session: Write to your representatives and let them know your opinion.
- How to avoid getting caught up in special session drama: Unplug from the news for a month.
- How to appreciate the power of the Governor: Remember, they're the ones who make the tough decisions.