Greg Abbott Calls Lawmakers Back After Blocking 26 Proposed Laws

Governor Greg Abbott proclaimed a special legislative session early Monday, summoning state legislators back to the Capitol to address six bills he vetoed shortly before Sunday’s deadline. Notably, Senate Bill 3, which aimed to prohibit the sale of hemp products containing THC in Texas, is among the bills under reconsideration. This 30-day special session is set to commence on July 21, with Abbott indicating potential additions to the agenda. Despite pressure from former President Donald Trump to redraw Texas’ 38 U.S. House districts in advance of the 2026 midterms, this request was notably absent from the Monday announcement. The state constitution restricts lawmakers to discussing matters chosen by the governor during special sessions. Other bills up for revisitation include legal and regulatory measures involving real property, water projects, and judicial processes. Abbott had previously vetoed 18 additional bills, encompassing diverse issues from criminal justice reform to management of water rights.