Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced a second special session on Friday after state lawmakers gaveled out their first special session earlier that morning amid the ongoing redistricting fight.
“Delinquent House Democrats ran away from their responsibility to pass crucial legislation to benefit the lives of Texans,” Abbott said in a statement.
“Numerous other bills to cut property taxes, support human trafficking survivors, eliminate the STAAR test, establish commonsense THC regulations, and many others have all been brought to a halt because because Democrats refuse to show up for work,” he explained. “We will not back down from this fight. That’s why I am calling them back today to finish the job. I will continue to use all necessary tools to ensure Texas delivers results for Texans.”
The special session, which is expected to begin around 1 p.m. ET, includes redistricting on its agenda.
Texas Democrats are expected to return to the state soon, noting that two conditions had to be met before arriving back to the Lone Star State: Texas Republicans adjourning their first special session and California’s introduction of new congressional lines aimed at neutralizing the expected gains from Texas’ proposed House map.