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HJR 192

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring consent by two-thirds of the members of the house of representatives and senate for the governor to call more than one special session per legislative biennium.

89th Legislature (2025)

Constitutional amendment requiring two-thirds legislative approval for Texas governors to call more than one special session per two-year term, reducing executive flexibility in addressing urgent interim matters.

Referred to State Affairs
#governor(i0375) #legislature(i0520) #resolutions--constitutionalamendments(i0661)
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Bill Summary · HJR 192

Legislative bill overview

HJR 192 proposes a constitutional amendment that would require a two-thirds supermajority vote in both the Texas House and Senate to authorize the governor to call more than one special legislative session during a two-year legislative biennium. Currently, Texas governors can call special sessions without legislative approval, though the legislature can end them. This amendment would fundamentally shift this power balance by requiring legislative consent for multiple special sessions.

Why is this important

Special sessions allow governors to address urgent issues between regular legislative sessions, which occur only once every two years in Texas. This proposal would constrain executive flexibility during crises or urgent legislative needs, while empowering the legislature to control the agenda. The change could affect how quickly the state responds to emergencies or unforeseen circumstances that arise mid-biennium.

Potential points of contention

  • Executive power reduction: Governors argue special sessions are essential tools for addressing urgent state matters (natural disasters, budget crises) without waiting two years for regular sessions; this amendment would limit that flexibility
  • Legislative gatekeeping: A two-thirds requirement is a high threshold that could allow a minority faction to block sessions even when majority support exists, potentially paralyzing state action
  • Partisan implications: Depending on which party controls the legislature versus the governorship, this could become a tool to obstruct or enable the other branch's agenda

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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