Yesterday, Texas lawmakers return to Austin for a special legislative session with just 30 days to tackle a high-stakes agenda set by Governor Greg Abbott. The session opens under the weight of recent tragedy and political tension, with two major priorities dominating the call: addressing the devastating Central Texas floods and redrawing the state’s congressional districts.

There is strong bipartisan consensus on the urgent need to act in response to the catastrophic Fourth of July floods, which claimed more than 100 lives, many of them children, and left communities across Central Texas grappling with immense loss. The disaster has sparked  renewed scrutiny of the state’s emergency preparedness systems, especially as more Texans live in areas increasingly vulnerable to flash flooding.

Lawmakers are expected to prioritize legislation focused on relief funding for flood victims,  infrastructure upgrades, early warning systems, and floodplain management reforms aimed at preventing future disasters of this magnitude. Expect swift action and unified messaging around ensuring Texas communities are safer and more resilient in the face of extreme weather events.

While the flood response may unite lawmakers, redistricting is expected to generate more debate. The Legislature has been called to redraw Texas’ congressional districts following a directive from President Donald Trump. The outcome of this process will help shape political representation in the state for the next decade.

As with past redistricting efforts, discussions are likely to center on fairness, demographic changes, and the balance of political power. Lawmakers will face close public and legal scrutiny as they work through proposals, with implications for communities across Texas and national representation in the U.S. House.

With only 30 days on the clock, the pressure is high. Lawmakers will have to navigate a delicate mix of policymaking, public expectation, and political maneuvering, while Texans across the state look for reassurance that their government is responding to both crisis and constitutional duty.

The Chamber will be closely monitoring developments in this special session and will advocate for swift, thoughtful action especially on issues impacting infrastructure, safety, and equitable representation.  Stay tuned for updates as the session progresses.

To see the full list of items on the Special Session Agenda go here: Agenda