The Session’s First 60 Days: Constitutional limits and bill filing
Every two years, Texas lawmakers convene in Austin for the 140-day regular legislative session, a period when thousands of bills are proposed, debated and passed. In January, the 89th legislative session kicked off with a mix of anticipation and urgency to address the state’s most pressing issues.
The session’s first 60 days operate under specific constitutional limitations that shape the legislative process. One of the most significant milestones within this timeframe is the bill filing deadline, which falls this session on March 14.
Understanding these procedural constraints is key to appreciating how Texas lawmaking unfolds in its early stages. While legislators are limited in their ability to consider filed legislation in the session’s first weeks, the stage is being set with landmark legislation already filed that could shape Texas for years to come.
Constitutional Limitations in the First 60 Days
The Texas Constitution imposes strict limitations on legislative activity during the first 60 days of a regular session. During this period, the Legislature is largely restricted to passing bills that are declared an emergency item by the Governor unless 4/5 of the members vote to determine their own order of business.
Otherwise, filed legislation sits in a holding pattern before it can be considered on its chamber floor beginning with the 61st day of session. This constitutional constraint allows lawmakers time to introduce bills, conduct committee hearings and build consensus before moving forward with formal votes by the full chamber membership.
Bill Filing Deadline
A key milestone within the first 60 days is the bill filing deadline, which typically falls on the 60th day of the session. This deadline marks the last opportunity for lawmakers to introduce new bills for consideration, barring special exceptions for local legislation. By this point, thousands of bills are usually filed, ranging from minor regulatory adjustments to sweeping policy reforms.
The bill filing deadline often results in a surge of activity in both the House and Senate, as lawmakers work to finalize proposals before filing. Once filed, these bills move into the next phase of the legislative process where they will be referred to committees for review, debate and potential amendments. Those that successfully pass out of committee can then proceed to the House and Senate floors for further discussion and voting.
[To read more on the committee process in the Texas House and Senate, click here.]
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Session?
The constitutional limits on the first 60 days and the bill filing deadline serve a critical function in ensuring an orderly and deliberate legislative process. By structuring the session in this way, Texas lawmakers can focus on researching and refining legislation before major policy decisions are made. The March 14 deadline also helps establish a clear framework for the remainder of the session, as legislators turn their attention to evaluating and advancing the bills that have been introduced.
As the Texas Legislature moves beyond this initial period, attention will shift toward committee hearings, floor debates and negotiations over key policy initiatives. With thousands of bills in play, the next phase of the session will be crucial in determining which proposals advance and which stall. One thing is certain, though: the remainder of the 89th legislative session will be critical in shaping the future of Texas.
Stay tuned for further updates as the session progresses!