|
House and Senate Bills
|
|
| Filed | 6,631 |
| Sent to the Governor | 824 |
| Signed by the Governor | 190 |
| Vetoed by the Governor | 0 |
| Filed without the Governor's signature | 16 |
| House and Senate Joint Resolutions | |
| Filed | 169 |
| Filed with the Secretary of State | 7 |
| House and Senate Concurrent Resolutions | |
| Filed | 202 |
| Filed with the Secretary of State | 11 |
| Sent to the Governor | 50 |
| Signed by the Governor | 37 |
| Vetoed by the Governor | 0 |
*Statistics as of May 30 at 8:30 a.m. See our bill statistics page to compare these numbers with historical statistics.
What happens now?
The 85th Regular Session ended May 29, 2017. Bills that passed both the House and the Senate were sent to the Governor for him to sign, veto, or allow to become law without his signature. Joint Resolutions that passed both chambers of the Legislature were filed with the Secretary of State, and those that propose amendments to the Texas Constitution will be on the ballot for the November 7, 2017 election.
If the Legislature passes a bill, does it become a law right away?
No. Under Article 4, Section 14 of the Texas Constitution, bills passed by the Legislature must be submitted to the Governor for approval. The Governor can sign a bill, veto it, line-item veto an appropriation, or allow a bill to become law without his signature.
How much time does the Governor have to act on a bill?
If a bill is sent to the Governor during the legislative session, the Governor has 10 days (not counting Sundays) to sign the bill or return the bill to the Legislature with objection. If after 10 days the bill is not returned to the Legislature by the Governor with objections or he has not yet signed it, the bill becomes law as if the Governor had signed it.
If the Legislature has adjourned sine die, or if the bill is presented to the Governor less than 10 days (not counting Sundays) prior to final adjournment, the Governor has 20 days (counting Sundays) after the final day of the session to sign or veto the bill. If neither action is taken, the bill becomes law without the Governor's signature (Texas Const. art. IV, § 14).
Sunday, June 18, is the 20th day following final adjournment of the 85th Regular Session. It is the last day the Governor can sign or veto bills passed during the 85th Regular Session. The LRL's vetoes database will be updated for the 85th Regular Session as we receive those documents.
What happens to bills that did not pass?
Bills that did not make it completely through the legislative process die with the end of the session and are not automatically reintroduced during the next session.
Where can I find more information about special sessions?
You can start with the LRL's FAQ about special sessions. The LRL website's section devoted to special sessions also includes historical information, links to statutory authority pertaining to special sessions, and more.
