Texas is one of just four states where the legislature meets in regular session only once every two years. During this compressed, and at times frantic, 140-day period (January 14 to June 2 in 2025), the Texas Legislature will make decisions of profound importance for the lives of Texans. The issues being decided include the amount of taxes they pay, the quality of the schools their children attend, and the reliability of their electrical grid as well as determining their ability to obtain an abortion, an assault rifle, and access to health care.

This course will begin with an overview of the functioning of the Texas Legislature and highlight the political balance of power in the Texas House and Senate. It will then examine the legislative status and prospects for passage into law of a wide variety of salient bills, with a particular focus on the political debates and negotiations surrounding this key legislation. A final class will recap the major developments of the 140-day session as well as discuss the likelihood of the governor calling any special sessions.

This class meets every other week
Tuesdays, 6 sessions | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
April 1, April 15, April 29, May 13, May 27, June 10
In person and simulcast