The Texas Legislature only meets for 140 days every two years. That compressed schedule means deadlines drive everything. From the first day bills can be filed to the last day the Governor can veto them, the calendar dictates which ideas move forward, and which ones quietly die. This page is designed to help you keep track of the moments that matter.
📅 Dates of Interest — 90th Legislative Session
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Nov 9, 2026 — Pre-filing Begins
Legislators may start filing bills ahead of session.
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Jan 12, 2027 — Opening Day
House and Senate convene, adopt rules, begin formal business.
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Mar 12, 2027 — Last Day to File Bills
After this date, only emergency/special cases may be filed.
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May 14, 2027 — House Last Day to Consider House Bills (3rd Reading)
House-origin bills that don’t pass today are effectively done.
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May 26, 2027 — House Last Day to Consider Senate Bills (3rd Reading)
Final House action deadline on Senate-origin bills.
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May 30, 2027 — Last Day for Either Chamber to Consider Conference Committee Reports
Final significant action on any bill in either chamber.
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May 31, 2027 — Sine Die
Session ends; veto period begins.
While the key dates give you the “what” and “when,” the session itself moves through a predictable rhythm. Bills begin as ideas, get refined in committee hearings, face debate on the floor, and, if they survive, must still clear both chambers before heading to the Governor’s desk. The roadmap below shows this journey at a glance.
Stages of Legislative Session
Pre-Filing
Nov – early Mar
Early Session
Jan – Mar
Mid-Session
Apr – May
End of Session
Late May – Sine Die
Post-Session
Jun
Following the calendar isn’t just for lobbyists or insiders. Knowing the right moment to act can make all the difference. Texans who engage early, especially in committee hearings, often have the greatest impact on legislation.
🙋 How Texans Can Get Involved
- Testify at committee hearings — Share your views on bills. House & Senate livestream hearings and post witness registration info.
- Contact your legislator — Timing matters: reach out before a bill leaves committee or hits the floor calendar.
- Track legislation — Use the Texas Legislature Online (TLO) to follow bills, authors, and committees.
- Vote on amendments — Joint resolutions go to the ballot. Texans make the final decision on constitutional changes.
The Legislature has its own culture, complete with jargon and traditions. If you’ve ever wondered what terms like sine die or chubbing mean, or why fewer than one in five bills actually pass, this section is for you.
đź“– Glossary & Did You Know?
- Sine Die — Latin for “without day,” marking the final adjournment of a session.
- Chubbing — Using long debate to run out the clock on bills.
- Emergency Item — Issues designated by the Governor that may be considered early in session.
- Local & Consent Calendar — Reserved for noncontroversial House bills; debated quickly with limited amendments.
Did You Know? Texas is one of only a handful of states where the Legislature meets just once every two years. In a typical 140-day session, fewer than 20% of filed bills become law.
Having reliable tools makes it easier to stay informed and engaged. We’ve included links to official resources as well as Texas Policy Research’s own analysis so you can track legislation and deadlines in real time.
đź”— Resources & Downloads
Stay connected with key tools and references during the 90th Legislative Session:
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