Texas Legislature – 2nd Session

by
Thanks to John Miterko For This Information
The 89th Texas Legislature’s Second Special Session adjourned on September 3, 2025, with no agreement reached on the ban of consumable hemp products, resulting in the continuation of the previous legal status for these products. Key legislation passed included more restrictive congressional maps, measures for youth campground safety and STAAR test reform, protections for police personnel records, and efforts to combat fraudulent disaster solicitations. However, the proposed ban on consumable THC products, a significant priority for Governor Abbott and Lt. Governor Patrick, failed due to a lack of consensus between the chambers. 

Key Outcome 

  • THC Legislation Failed: The primary purpose of the session, to ban most consumable hemp products with a detectable amount of THC, was not accomplished. The session ended with the pre-session status quo on consumable hemp remaining in effect.

Passed Legislation

Lawmakers approved several significant bills during the session, including:
  • Redistricting:. 

    New congressional maps were approved, making them more favorable to Republicans. 

  • Youth Campground Safety:. 

    Legislation was passed to establish mandatory safety standards and staff training for emergency response. 

  • STAAR Test Reform:. 

    A bill to replace the standardized STAAR test was approved and sent to the Governor’s desk. 

  • Police Personnel Records:. 

    Laws were enacted to protect law enforcement officers’ unsubstantiated complaints from public disclosure. 

  • Fraud Prevention:. 

    Measures were passed to prevent and reduce fraudulent charitable solicitations and theft during disasters. 

  • Protecting Women’s Spaces:. 

    Legislation was passed to protect privacy in sex-segregated spaces. 

  • Attorney General Powers:. 

    Authority was strengthened for the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute state election crimes. 

  • Water Conservation:. 

    Bills were passed to authorize political subdivisions to reduce impact fees for builders who include water conservation measures. 

Why THC Legislation Failed

  • Disagreement:

    The House and Senate failed to reach an agreement on the scope of the ban, with the House favoring a regulatory approach and the Senate pushing for a more comprehensive ban. 

  • Minority Caucus Action:
    The controversy over the new congressional maps led to a quorum break by House Democrats, delaying progress on other bills, including the THC legislation.