Issues and Advocacy that Impact Your Business

89th Texas Legislature Special Session

The Special Session began July 21, and while each session is limited to 30 days, over 170 bills have already been filed—many beyond Governor Greg Abbott’s official call list.


The Governor Gregg Abbott’s call included the regulation of hemp-derived products, banning taxpayer-funded lobbying, elimination of the STAAR test, funding flood warning systems and more.


The regulation of THC products, Senate Bill 5 by Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock), which is essentially Senate Bill 3 from the 89th regular session, was filed and heard Tuesday, July 22, in Senate State Affairs.  

Change in Representation

The representation in the Texas Legislature for the HEB and northeast Tarrant County is changing.


  • Representative Tony Tinderholt announced he will run for Tarrant County Commissioner when his current term as state representative is up. 
  • Senator Kelly Hancock resigned his seat, went to work for the State Comptroller’s office, became the Acting Comptroller and is running for that office. Governor Abbott announced that the special election for Senate District 9 will be on November 4. 
  • Senator Brian Birdwell announced he will not run for reelection. Representative David Cook has announced he is running for SD 22. 
  • Representative Gio Capriglione announced he will not run for reelection. Soon after his annoucement, Keller Mayor Armin Mizani announced he is running for House District 98.


Be on the lookout for more news on this front – who’s going to run for which seat?

Congressional Redistricting

The U.S. Department of Justice issued a letter to Governor Abbott identifying TX-9, TX-18, TX-29, and TX-33 as unconstitutional coalition districts needing redrawing, prompting Governor Abbott to add redistricting to the special session agenda amid constitutional concerns.


President Donald Trump has publicly urged Texas Republicans to gain five congressional seats through this process, highlighting the intersection of national priorities and state power. 


The four targeted Democratic-leaning districts are:  

  • TX-9 (held by Al Green, D-Houston),  
  • TX-18 (Houston, currently vacant but historically Democratic) 
  • TX-29 (held by Sylvia Garcia, D-Harris County), and  
  • TX-33 (held by Marc Veasey, D-Dallas–Fort Worth)


The House Democratic Committee issued an ultimatum to Speaker Burrows indicating they “refuse to engage in any other legislative work until after adequate flood relief and disaster mitigation legislation are passed and signed by the Governor.”


The Senate Committee on Redistricting will be chaired by Senator Phil King (R) and the House Committee on Redistricting will be chaired by Representative Cody Vasut.


Members of the Texas House’s Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting will meet at 5 p.m. on July 28 at UT Arlington to consider public testimony. Click here to read more!

State Budget Estimate

Acting Comptroller Hancock released his revenue estimate for the first special session, informing Governor Abbott and the Texas Legislature that the Biennial Revenue Estimate for 2026-2027 remains unchanged and $3.1 billion is available for general purpose spending through the end of the state’s 2027 fiscal year.


The Economic Stabilization Fund (“Rainy Day” fund) is estimated to have $28.5 billion at the end of fiscal 2027 but will hit its constitutional cap in fiscal 2026, meaning appropriations from it – such as disaster relief – could affect the amount of general revenue available.

We're Working for You!

The Chamber’s Board is supported by five strategic goal teams—one of which is VOICE chaired by Jeri Harwell with Republic Services.

  • Identifying and researching relevant issues.
  • Provide collaborations and forums that engage members and maximize business representation.
  • Provide opportunities for the community to become familiar with elected officials and encourage civic participation.


We welcome your support! If you would like to get involved in the Chamber's business advocacy work, please contact President & CEO Mary Frazior or call 817-283-1521.

Thank You to Our 2025 Business Advocacy Sponsors

 

AlecXander Medical Spa

Atmos Energy

Deluxe Roofing & Construction, LLC

ARCA Continental Coca Cola Southwest Beverages

Shaw Insurance Agency

Texas Health HEB

Sponsorship does not necessarily imply endorsement of the Chamber's policy positions.

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