State Rep. Brian Harrison (R-District 10) is calling on Gov. Greg Abbott (R) to convene a special legislative session to restrict the governor's emergency powers before Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa (D) is sworn in. Hinojosa defeated Abbott in Tuesday's election, and Harrison issued the demand on Wednesday. On Thursday, he urged Texans to sign a petition asking Abbott to call the session.
Harrison said Texas law gives governors broad authority during declared disasters and that Hinojosa would inherit those powers. "Without action, Governor Hinojosa will inherit the powers of a DICTATOR," he said in a statement. He pointed to House Bill 911, which he filed for the 2023 session. The House referred that bill to committee in March 2023, and lawmakers did not pass it.
Under current law, a governor's disaster orders have the force of law, and a governor can suspend certain regulatory statutes and agency rules. Governors can renew disaster declarations after 30 days, and lawmakers can end a declaration by law. Abbott can call a special session and set its agenda.