Late Sunday night, Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed more than 20 bills passed by the Texas Legislature and early Monday called lawmakers back to the Capitol for a 30-day special session beginning July 21. Among the six bills placed on the initial agenda is Senate Bill 3, a controversial measure that would have banned the sale of hemp products containing THC — the psychoactive compound in cannabis — in Texas.
In a statement, Abbott described the call list as “initial,” leaving open the possibility of expanding the session’s agenda. Under the Texas Constitution, only the governor can decide which issues legislators may consider during a special session.
Hemp Ban Among the Headliners
Abbott’s decision to veto SB 3 — and then immediately put it on the agenda for reconsideration — signals that the issue of hemp-derived THC products remains politically sensitive. With Texas seeing a boom in the sale of consumable hemp products like Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC gummies, SB 3 aimed to crack down on what some lawmakers see as a loophole in state drug laws.
Opponents of the bill, including business owners and patient advocacy groups, argue that banning these products would devastate the growing legal hemp industry and cut off access to alternative treatments for pain and anxiety. Supporters say the products pose public safety concerns and are too easily accessible to minors.
Other Bills on the Agenda
The special session will also revisit five other bills that Abbott vetoed:
SB 648 – Addresses new requirements for recording real estate-related documents.
SB 1253 – Proposes changes to water project impact fees and regulation of certain wells.
SB 1278 – Would offer legal defenses for trafficking or prostitution victims.
SB 1758 – Regulates cement kilns and aggregate production near semiconductor facilities.
SB 2878 – Involves changes to the administration and procedures in Texas’ judicial branch.
The governor provided written explanations for each veto, some of which centered on technical objections, policy disagreements, or broader political priorities.
Trump Influence Looms in Background
Notably absent from the special session call list is any mention of redrawing congressional maps — a request reportedly pushed by former President Donald Trump. Trump, who maintains significant influence in Texas Republican politics, has privately urged Abbott to reopen the state’s congressional redistricting process to benefit Republican candidates heading into the 2026 midterms. For now, Abbott has resisted adding that politically explosive issue to the docket.
High-Profile Vetoes Stir Debate
Beyond the six bills on the special session list, Abbott vetoed 18 others late Sunday. One of the most widely supported — House Bill 413 — would have prevented pretrial incarceration from exceeding the maximum punishment for a given offense. The bipartisan bill passed overwhelmingly in both chambers and was intended to prevent individuals from languishing in jail for minor crimes.
Rep. Pat Curry, R-Waco, co-authored the measure and said before its passage that, “if there’s a penalty that requires two years in prison and you’ve spent two years waiting to go to trial, you need to be released.” Abbott rejected the bill, citing concerns that it would conflict with his administration’s efforts to toughen bail laws and keep repeat offenders behind bars.
Another veto drawing attention was Senate Bill 974, which would have allowed public school teachers to serve on local property appraisal review boards — a move aimed at helping smaller rural counties fill board vacancies. Conservative activists objected, arguing that teachers have a vested interest in property taxes and could bias the review process. Abbott ultimately agreed.
A Broader Legislative Landscape
Abbott’s other vetoes covered a wide array of topics, from cosmetology licensing compacts and open government reforms to water rights and deepfake laws. Several addressed criminal justice concerns, such as allowing victims of trafficking a defense in certain prosecutions, or managing juvenile records.
Despite the volume of vetoes, only a handful were added to the special session call, leaving some lawmakers and advocacy groups frustrated.
What’s Next?
As the July 21 session approaches, the pressure is mounting on both sides of the aisle. Lawmakers must weigh the merits of bills Abbott vetoed — some with bipartisan support — against his policy priorities and political calculations.
Abbott can add more items to the call at any time, and some observers expect him to do so if negotiations stall or new political needs arise.
