THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE: Let’s Talk About It.

What is the Texas Legislature and what does that mean for the state? Those are great questions to discuss now that we have entered the 88th Texas Legislature.

The Texas Legislature is the state Senate and House of Representatives coming together to consider proposed laws and resolutions, consideration of proposed constitutional amendments for submission to the voters, and appropriation of all funds for the operation of state government. The regular session begins on the second Tuesday in January of each odd-numbered year, for 140 days. If needed, the Governor may call the legislature into a special session, which can only last 30 days per session.

Texas uses single member districts, which means each member of the Texas Legislature represents only one legislative district. After the U.S. Census goes out every 10 years, the legislative and congressional districts are redrawn to maintain equal and proportional representation.