Changes

The Legislature meets in January of odd-numbered years only for a total of 140 days, and must adjourn no later than May 31 of that year, unless called into special session.  Uniquely, the Legislature cannot call itself into such a session (unlike most other states), only the Governor can do so (as many times as desired) for a 30-day session, and the only legislation that can be considered in a special session is that which the Governor announces in his proclamation calling for one (or in an amended proclamation); the Legislature cannot consider any on its own.

The Legislature meets in January of odd-numbered years only for a total of 140 days, and must adjourn no later than May 31 of that year, unless called into special session.  Uniquely, the Legislature cannot call itself into such a session (unlike most other states), only the Governor can do so (as many times as desired) for a 30-day session, and the only legislation that can be considered in a special session is that which the Governor announces in his proclamation calling for one (or in an amended proclamation); the Legislature cannot consider any on its own.

Bills passed and signed take effect at the beginning of the state fiscal year (September 1) unless passed by 2/3 vote to give the bill upon passage/signature immediate effect or on an earlier date specified.

Bills passed and signed take effect at the beginning of the state fiscal year (September 1) or a later date specified in the bill, or if passed by 2/3 vote to give the bill upon passage/signature immediate effect or on an earlier date specified.

Although the Democrats controlled the Legislature for the majority of its existence, it has generally been conservative in the legislation passed.  This is due in large part to the state constitution, one of the longest and most restrictive in the world, which greatly limits what the legislature can pass.<ref>One of the more restrictive, if not unique, provisions is that the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts -- the equivalent of a state treasurer in most states -- has the duty to determine the state's estimate of expected revenue over a two-year period, and must reject any appropriation which exceeds this estimate unless the Legislature passed it by at least an 80% majority.</ref>

Although the Democrats controlled the Legislature for the majority of its existence, it has generally been conservative in the legislation passed.  This is due in large part to the state constitution, one of the longest and most restrictive in the world, which greatly limits what the legislature can pass.<ref>One of the more restrictive, if not unique, provisions is that the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts -- the equivalent of a state treasurer in most states -- has the duty to determine the state's estimate of expected revenue over a two-year period, and must reject any appropriation which exceeds this estimate unless the Legislature passed it by at least an 80% majority.</ref>