State Rep. Brian Harrison, a Republican representing Texas House District 10, announced Wednesday that he will ask Gov. Greg Abbott to call an immediate special legislative session. The goal is to trim the governor’s emergency authority before Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa, a Democrat, assumes office in January.
Why the push now?
Harrison says the timing is critical because the new administration will inherit the broad disaster powers granted to the governor under current law. He warned that without legislative limits, those powers could be used to “destroy liberty in Texas by executive fiat.”
Proposed reforms
The legislation Harrison points to is House Bill 911, which he filed in December 2022 for the 2023 session. The bill would:
- Remove the governor’s ability to suspend statutes during a declared disaster.
- Require legislative approval to extend disaster declarations beyond 30 days.
- Limit any order that infringes constitutional rights to a 30‑day period unless the legislature expressly extends it.
- Require that any order affecting private rights be narrowly tailored and allow expedited court challenges.
HB 911 was referred to the State Affairs Committee in March 2023 but never passed. Harrison argues the same reforms are needed now, regardless of which party holds the governor’s office.
Constitutional concerns
Harrison frames the issue as a matter of separation of powers, a core principle of the Texas Constitution. He contends that allowing a single executive official to both write and enforce laws “is the biggest threat to our constitutional system of divided government.” The Rep. emphasizes that the proposed limits would apply to any governor, Democrat or Republican.
Procedural steps
Under Texas law, the governor can call a special session and set its agenda, but such sessions may not exceed 30 days. To enact the reforms before the January transition, the legislation would need two‑thirds support in both chambers. If the special session does not pass the measures, the state constitution generally requires a 90‑day waiting period after adjournment before new law can take effect.
Political context
The call for a special session follows Hinojosa’s victory over Abbott in the recent gubernatorial election, a win that also saw Democrats capture the U.S. Senate and lieutenant governor’s races in Texas. Harrison’s statement underscores the Republican perspective that the incoming administration could use emergency powers to advance a liberal agenda.
Republican response
Harrison appealed to fellow elected Republicans, urging them to join his demand. “The future of liberty in America is literally on the line in Texas, and Texans deserve leadership that acts accordingly,” he wrote.
The next regular legislative session is scheduled to begin on January 12, 2027, with Hinojosa’s inauguration expected on January 19 under the state constitution. Whether Abbott will convene a special session before that date remains to be seen.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
