Researching Texas Law

The Texas Legislature convened for its first day on Tuesday, January 13.

Here are the key dates in 2009 related to this legislative session.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009 (1st day)
81st Legislature convenes at noon

Tex. Gov’t Code Ann. § 301.001 (Vernon 2005).

Friday, March 13, 2009 (60th day)
Deadline for filing bills and joint resolutions other than local bills, emergency appropriations, and bills that have been declared an emergency by the governor.

[House Rule 8, Sec. 8; Senate Rule 7.07(b)]

Monday, June 1, 2009 (140th day)

Last day of 81st Regular Session; corrections only in house and senate.

Tex. Const. art. III, § 24(b).

Session Ends

Sunday, June 21, 2009 (20th day following final adjournment)
Last day the governor can sign or veto bills passed during the regular legislative session.

Tex. Const. art. IV, § 14.

Monday, August 31, 2009 (91st day following final adjournment)
Date that bills without specific effective dates (that could not be effective immediately) become law

Tex. Const. art. III, § 39.

Here are some helpful links related to the current legislative session:

Calendar

Meetings

House Research Organization: Topics for the 81st Legislature