At the Pink Granite Foundation Legislative Summit, Denise Davis broke down the key rules, strategies and insider knowledge needed to navigate the Texas House and Senate. Understanding the legislative process is essential for advocates, policy professionals and engaged citizens looking to make an impact. Here’s what we learned:

The Basics of the Texas Legislative Session

1. Timing Matters: The Texas Legislature meets for 140 days every two years, with key deadlines shaping the process:

• Session begins: January 14, 2025
• Bill filing deadline: March 14, 2025
• Adjournment: June 2, 2025
• Governor’s veto deadline: June 22, 2025
• New laws take effect: September 1, 2025

2. The House & Senate Make Their Own Rules: Under the Texas Constitution, each chamber sets its own rules for procedure, committee operations and floor debates. Understanding these rules is crucial for navigating the process effectively.

How a Bill Becomes Law (or Doesn’t)

1. The Funnel Effect: The legislative process is designed to kill more bills than it passes. In the last session, over 8,345 bills were filed, but only 15% became law.
   
   
2. Key Stages of the Process: A bill must go through multiple hurdles:

• House Committee → House Calendars → House Floor
• Senate Committee → Senate Floor → Conference Committee
• Governor’s Desk for approval or veto

The Power of Rules & Procedure

1. Parliamentary Tactics Matter: The Speaker of the House and Lt. Governor (President of the Senate) control procedure with the help of parliamentarians, who interpret and apply legislative rules. These rules often determine whether a bill moves forward or dies quietly.
   
2. Points of Order Can Kill a Bill: A bill can be challenged for failing to meet procedural requirements, making it ineligible for consideration. These technical objections are powerful tools for both passing and stopping legislation.
   
3. Differences Between the House & Senate: While both chambers operate under separate rules, key distinctions include:

• The Senate requires bill referrals but has no jurisdiction rules.
• Filibusters are allowed in the Senate but not in the House.
• Senate bills can be blocked with just two written objections.

Final Takeaways

1. Know the Rules, Use the Rules: Mastering House and Senate rules gives advocates and policymakers a strategic advantage in getting bills passed or stopping harmful legislation.
   
2. Resources Matter: Understanding legislative guides like the Texas House Practice Manual, Senate Rules and Mason’s Manual can help anyone effectively engage in the process.