Understanding interim charges in the Texas Legislature
Texas lawmakers have 140 days every two years to pass legislation. That constraint makes the 18 months between sessions — known as the interim — just as consequential as the session itself. What happens during the interim shapes what lawmakers debate, what bills get filed, and which issues rise to the top when session begins.
What is the interim?
Once a legislative session ends, the Texas Legislature enters the interim period. During this time, committees reconvene to study policy issues, hear from stakeholders, and review how existing laws are working in practice. While this work is less visible than session, it plays a major role in determining what gets prioritized when lawmakers return to Austin.
What is an interim charge?
An interim charge is a formal directive — essentially an assignment — issued to a legislative committee. Charges instruct committees to study specific topics, evaluate the implementation of existing laws, or examine agency performance. Prior to the next session, committees publish interim reports that summarize key findings and often outline potential policy approaches for the next session.
Who issues the charges?
In the Texas Senate, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issues charges to Senate committees. In the Texas House, Speaker Dustin Burrows directs House committees. Both chambers released their 2026 interim charges in late March, covering topics that span health care affordability, water infrastructure, artificial intelligence in schools and the workforce, recent public and higher education reforms, and much more.
How do hearings work?
After charges are issued, committees schedule public hearings, this year running from spring through fall. Stakeholders, state agency officials and members of the public can testify and share input on the issues under review. Committees then publish their interim reports in late fall or early winter, which can help inform bill development ahead of the next session.
Why It Matters
The depth and impact of interim work can vary, but the process consistently signals where legislative attention is headed. By the time lawmakers return to Austin in January 2027, many of the key issues have already been explored, and priorities have begun to solidify. For anyone tracking issues important to Texas’ long-term success, the interim is a critical window to engage and help shape the conversation.
Texas 2036 is closely tracking the 2026 interim charges. Stay tuned for updates as committee hearings unfold.
To learn about other activities that happen in state government in the interim, learn more in “Your guide to what happens between TxLege sessions.”