Guide to the 85th Texas Legislature

GUIDE TO THE 85TH TEXAS LEGISLATUREIn one week, the Texas Legislature will gavel in for our  85th Regular Session, which lasts for 140 days, in accordance with the Texas Constitution that calls for a citizen legislature to meet every odd-numbered year. We will pass a two-year budget, consider policy changes and then go home to live under the laws we pass. The framers wanted limited government, and that is why Texas is one of just four states to meet biennially. Here is a handy guide to follow for the upcoming legislative session.Key 2017 DatesJanuary 10 - Legislature convenesMarch 10 - Deadline for filing bills and joint resolutions other than local bills, emergency appropriations and bills declared an emergency by the governorMay 29 - Legislature adjournsJune 18 - Last day governor can sign, veto or allow bills to become law without signatureAugust 28 - Date that bills without specific effective dates become lawKeep Up With The LegislatureTexas Legislature Online - www.capitol.state.tx.usTexas Senate Online - www.senate.state.tx.usE-mail notification - www.capitol.state.tx.us (click on My TLO)Bill Flowchart-                       www.tlc.texas.gov/docs/legref/gtli.pdf#page=19Texas Legislature By The Numbers Description HouseMembers SenateMembers TotalGender Male 120 23 143Female 28 8 36Total 148 31 179Party affiliation Democrat 51 11 62Republican 97 20 117Total 148 31 179Keep Up With Senator NelsonSign Up For Capitol Digest - www.janenelson.org/enews_signupLike On Facebook - www.facebook.com/SenatorJaneNelsonFollow On Twitter - @SenJaneNelson

The Texas Legislature reconvenes on January 10, 2017 for its 85th Regular Session.  The session will last for 140 days in accordance with the Texas Constitution, which calls for a citizen legislature to meet every odd-numbered year, pass a budget and then go home to live under the laws they pass.  Below are some key dates and resources to help you follow all the action at the State Capitol this session.

Key 2017 Dates

January 10 -     Legislature convenes

March 10 -       Deadline for filing bills and joint resolutions other than local bills, emergency appropriations and bills declared an emergency by the Governor   

May 29 -          Legislature adjourns

June 18 -         Last day governor can sign, veto or allow bills to become law without signature

August 28 -     Date that bills without specific effective dates become law

Keep Up With The Legislature

Texas Legislature Online -      www.capitol.texas.gov

Texas Senate Online -             www.senate.texas.gov

E-mail notification -                www.capitol.texas.gov (click on My TLO)

Bill Flowchart-                       www.tlc.texas.gov/docs/legref/gtli.pdf#page=19

Texas Legislature By The Numbers

Description

HouseMembers

SenateMembers

Total

Gender

Male

120

23

143

Female

28

8

36

Total

148

31

179

Party affiliation

Democrat

51

11

62

Republican

97

20

117

Total

148

31

179

Keep Up With Senator Nelson

Sign Up For Capitol Digest -   www.janenelson.org/enews_signup

Like On Facebook -                www.facebook.com/SenatorJaneNelson

Follow On Twitter -                @SenJaneNelson