On June 23, 2025, Governor Abbott initiated a special session of the Texas Legislature, scheduled to reconvene on July 21, 2025. The session’s original focus was on bills vetoed during the regular session, primarily concerning the regulation of consumable hemp products containing THC.

Following the deadly floods in Kerr County and Camp Mystic on July 4th, Governor Abbott officially expanded the special session’s agenda on July 6th to include flood response and disaster relief.

The floods in Kerr County, especially along the Guadalupe River, have caused numerous fatalities, including many at Camp Mystic, an all-girls’ summer camp in a high-risk flood zone. This tragedy has highlighted issues with emergency warning systems and preparedness in flood-prone areas like the Texas Hill Country.

Key considerations for lawmakers during the special session include:

- - Improving flood warning systems: This may involve discussions on funding for sirens and other communication infrastructure, particularly in underserved rural areas. A similar bill for emergency communication equipment grants failed previously and is likely to be reintroduced.
  - Disaster response and relief: The legislature will likely evaluate the state’s flood response, assess necessary recovery resources/, and seek improved coordination for future disaster responses.
  - Preventative measures: Long-term strategies for flood mitigation and protection in flash-flood-susceptible areas may also be discussed.

While THC product regulation and other vetoed bills were the initial priorities, the catastrophic flooding in Kerr County has significantly shifted the immediate focus, making flood response a critical and urgent topic.

Additional bills still on the agenda:

- - Redistricting: Legislation that provides a revised congressional redistricting plan in light of constitutional concerns raised by the U.S. Department of Justice.
  - Senate Bill 3: Regulation of hemp-derived products, including consumable hemp products and their cannabinoids.
  - Senate Bill 648: Recording requirements for certain real property instruments.
  - Senate Bill 1253: Impact and production fees for water projects and well regulation; authorizing a fee.
  - Senate Bill 1278: Affirmative defense for victims of human trafficking or compelled prostitution.
  - Senate Bill 1758: Operation of cement kilns and aggregate production near semiconductor wafer manufacturing facilities.
  - Senate Bill 2878: Operation, administration, practices, and procedures of the judicial branch of state government.

Additional Special Session Coverage: