This story was part of a series of articles published in the March 4 edition of The Daily Texan.

Jan. 14: First day of the legislative regular session

This marks the formal start to the legislative process, when lawmakers convene for the first time and begin to organize into committees. This year, lawmakers elected Dustin Burrows as the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. 

Feb. 2: Deadline for the governor’s budget and Gov. Greg Abbott gives his State of the State address

The governor outlines his legislative priorities including emergency items to members of the House and Senate. The governor also outlines his budget priorities in the Governor’s Budget. This year’s State of the State address discussed school vouchers, property taxes, and diversity, equity and inclusion in college campuses. 

Feb. 13: 30th day of the legislative session

Committees in both the House and Senate can start considering and passing non-emergency items. 

March 14: 60th day of the legislative session

The entire House and Senate can vote, consider, debate, amend and pass all bills after this day. Before this day, only emergency items can be passed. This is also the final deadline to file a new bill. 

May 12: House bill first reading deadline

The House must have reported all bills for their first reading, which means the speaker must refer all bills to committee. Any bill that hasn’t been referred will not be addressed and is effectively dead.

May 15: House bill second reading deadline

The House must have reported all bills for their second reading, which means it has been scheduled for debate on the House floor. Any bills that have not left committee or have not been placed on the House floor are effectively dead. 

May 16: House bill third reading deadline

Any House bill that has not reached the third and final reading in the House is effectively dead. 

May 23: Senate bill first reading deadline

This is the last day for the House to assign bills that passed the Senate to committee. Any bill that hasn’t been assigned is effectively dead. 

May 27: Senate bill second reading deadline

The House must have reported all Senate-passed bills for their second reading. Any bills that have not left committee or have not been placed on the House floor are effectively dead. 

May 28: Senate bill third reading deadline

Any Senate bill that has not reached the third and final reading is effectively dead. 

June 2: Sine Die 

This is the last day of the legislative session, which is known as “Sine Die” and marks the end of the 2025-26 regular legislative session. Any bill not passed by this deadline is effectively dead, unless Abbott calls a special session. 

June 22: 20 days after Sine Die

This is the last day for the governor to sign or veto a law. Any bill not vetoed by this date becomes law.