Legislative Deadlines Approach in Texas

As the 86th Texas Legislature continues, session deadlines are fast approaching. The session, which began on Tuesday, January 8, 2019, will adjourn on Monday, May 27, 2019.

With nearly 10,000 bills and resolutions filed in the Texas Senate and Texas House of Representatives, only about 1,900 have been passed by both the Senate and House. A large majority of these are resolutions to recognize individuals or organizations. As of April 30, only 20 bills had been passed. While 50 resolutions have been signed by the Governor, no bills have progressed this far.

Each chamber of the Legislature follows rules that dictate deadlines for certain actions that must be taken. The chart below provides more information on dates of action in the Texas Senate and House.

On the last day of session, only corrections can be made in the Senate and House. Gov. Greg Abbott may sign or veto bills that were passed during session until the 20th day following adjournment, or Sunday, June 16, 2019. Any bills passed during the regular session that did not include a specific effective date will take effect on Monday, August 26, 2019, on the 91st day following final adjournment of the 86th Legislature.