The 89th Texas Legislature activity has officially begun with over 1,700 pieces of legislation already filed since the first day members & members-elect were able to begin filing bills on Tuesday, November 12. The 89th Legislature will officially convene on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, and legislative activity is in full swing. Interim committee hearings are holding their final meetings, state agencies have submitted their Legislative Appropriations Request (LARs), and legislators are currently choosing their new offices and hiring staff.
As we enter the eve of the 89th Regular Session, the Texas House consists of 88 Republicans and 62 Democrats. The Texas Senate has 20 Republicans and 11 Democrats. The Senate leadership will have minimal change in terms of committee chairs this year, and traditionally chambers alternate which chamber will be the lead – this year Senate Bill 1 will be the final state appropriations bill. The Texas House leadership remains uncertain as over a dozen House chairmanships are vacant due to retirements, election defeats and the current House Speaker faces challengers from within his party as well as two Democratic members. The House Republican Caucus will convene on Saturday, December 7th to vote on a Republican nominee from within their membership. The entire House of Representatives will cast a vote on Speaker of the House on the opening day of session, January 14, 2025.
Historically, the Texas Senate will move at an expedited pace in terms of budget hearings, holding committee hearings and confirming gubernatorial appointments. The Texas House held “work groups” on issues such as the budget, border security, workforce, property taxes, etc. Advocacy groups have already begun legislative briefings at the Capitol and lawmakers will continue filing bills over the coming weeks. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts will provide a revenue budget estimate in January that will guide lawmakers on the status of the state’s budget and provide them guidance as they craft the only constitutionally required item that must pass during the 89th Regular Session, the state budget.
We look forward to serving your legislative needs during the 89th Regular Session and will continue providing you weekly updates. Thank you and please let us know if you have any questions.
As we enter the eve of the 89th Regular Session, the Texas House consists of 88 Republicans and 62 Democrats. The Texas Senate has 20 Republicans and 11 Democrats. The Senate leadership will have minimal change in terms of committee chairs this year, and traditionally chambers alternate which chamber will be the lead – this year Senate Bill 1 will be the final state appropriations bill. The Texas House leadership remains uncertain as over a dozen House chairmanships are vacant due to retirements, election defeats and the current House Speaker faces challengers from within his party as well as two Democratic members. The House Republican Caucus will convene on Saturday, December 7th to vote on a Republican nominee from within their membership. The entire House of Representatives will cast a vote on Speaker of the House on the opening day of session, January 14, 2025.
Historically, the Texas Senate will move at an expedited pace in terms of budget hearings, holding committee hearings and confirming gubernatorial appointments. The Texas House held “work groups” on issues such as the budget, border security, workforce, property taxes, etc. Advocacy groups have already begun legislative briefings at the Capitol and lawmakers will continue filing bills over the coming weeks. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts will provide a revenue budget estimate in January that will guide lawmakers on the status of the state’s budget and provide them guidance as they craft the only constitutionally required item that must pass during the 89th Regular Session, the state budget.
We look forward to serving your legislative needs during the 89th Regular Session and will continue providing you weekly updates. Thank you and please let us know if you have any questions.
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