Texas Legislature

Contents

Interim Studies
Legislative Sessions
- 82nd Texas Legislative Session (2011)
- 81st Texas Legislative Session (2009)
Identify and Contact Your Texas Representative
Resources

The Texas Legislature meets in a regular 140-day session every two years, convening on the second Tuesday in January of every odd-numbered year. The governor can also call additional special sessions as necessary, which cannot exceed 30 days.

The next regular legislative session begins Jan. 8, 2013. In preparation for the session, legislative interim committees are currently studying key issues, including those that affect people with developmental disabilities.

Interim Studies

The Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House appoint Interim Committees between each Legislative Session (usually in the fall) to study key issues and research information that will help guide the legislature's decisions. These interim committees hold hearings and take public testimony. Their findings will affect actions taken during the Regular Session.

For details, see Key Interim Study Charges for the Texas Legislature (updated April 2012) (PDF) (link opens in new window)

Legislative Sessions

82nd Texas Legislative Session (2011)

The 82nd Texas Legislature adjourned from its Regular Session on May 30, 2011, and completed a Special Session on June 29. Gov. Rick Perry signed 1,458 bills passed during the Regular Session, vetoed 24, and allowed 27 to become law without his signature.

During the Special Session, the Legislature passed 448 bills and resolutions (for consideration by the governor).

See the TCDD's 82nd Texas Legislature page for more information and a legislative wrap-up.

81st Texas Legislative Session (2009)

The governor signed 1,656 bills and resolutions, vetoed 38 and allowed 12 to become law without his signature from the Regular Legislative Session that ended on June 1, 2009. Two additional bills were passed in a special session held July 1-2, 2009.

See the TCDD 81st Legislative Session page for more information.

Identify and Contact Your Texas Representative

Who Represents Me?
Information about current districts and members of the Texas Senate, Texas House of Representatives, the Texas delegation to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, and the State Board of Education.
Contacting Your Legislator
Information from the Legislative Reference Library about how to contact your legislators.

Resources

Texas Legislature Online
The state's primary website for legislative information.
The Texas Tribune
Information on public policy, politics, government and other matters of statewide concern.
Austin American Statesman's Virtual Capitol
News and information about the Texas Legislature and state politics.

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Public Policy Public Policy News TCDD Public Policy Input Advocacy 101 Texas Legislature TCDD Public Policy Priorities Position Statements Public Information Act Federal Policy Update Sunset Review	Texas Legislature Contents Interim Studies Legislative Sessions 82nd Texas Legislative Session (2011) 81st Texas Legislative Session (2009) Identify and Contact Your Texas Representative Resources The Texas Legislature meets in a regular 140-day session every two years, convening on the second Tuesday in January of every odd-numbered year. The governor can also call additional special sessions as necessary, which cannot exceed 30 days. The next regular legislative session begins Jan. 8, 2013. In preparation for the session, legislative interim committees are currently studying key issues, including those that affect people with developmental disabilities. Interim Studies The Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House appoint Interim Committees between each Legislative Session (usually in the fall) to study key issues and research information that will help guide the legislature's decisions. These interim committees hold hearings and take public testimony. Their findings will affect actions taken during the Regular Session. For details, see Key Interim Study Charges for the Texas Legislature (updated April 2012) (PDF) (link opens in new window) Legislative Sessions 82nd Texas Legislative Session (2011) The 82nd Texas Legislature adjourned from its Regular Session on May 30, 2011, and completed a Special Session on June 29. Gov. Rick Perry signed 1,458 bills passed during the Regular Session, vetoed 24, and allowed 27 to become law without his signature. During the Special Session, the Legislature passed 448 bills and resolutions (for consideration by the governor). See the TCDD's 82nd Texas Legislature page for more information and a legislative wrap-up. 81st Texas Legislative Session (2009) The governor signed 1,656 bills and resolutions, vetoed 38 and allowed 12 to become law without his signature from the Regular Legislative Session that ended on June 1, 2009. Two additional bills were passed in a special session held July 1-2, 2009. See the TCDD 81st Legislative Session page for more information. Identify and Contact Your Texas Representative Who Represents Me? Information about current districts and members of the Texas Senate, Texas House of Representatives, the Texas delegation to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, and the State Board of Education. Contacting Your Legislator Information from the Legislative Reference Library about how to contact your legislators. Resources Texas Legislature Online The state's primary website for legislative information. The Texas Tribune Information on public policy, politics, government and other matters of statewide concern. Austin American Statesman's Virtual Capitol News and information about the Texas Legislature and state politics.
Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities 6201 E. Oltorf, Suite 600 Austin, TX 78741-7509 Phone: (512) 437-5432 Toll-Free: 1-800-262-0334 Accessibility \| Site Policies Copyright 2005-2012 - Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities Links from TCDD to other Internet sites are provided as a convenience for informational purposes. No official endorsement should be inferred.