June 8, 2025
NEWS DIGEST
by Brandon Waltens
Good morning,
After 140 days and over 1,200 bills, the Texas Legislature officially adjourned sine die on Monday, marking the end of the 89th Regular Legislative Session.
The Latin term “sine die” means “without a day,” signaling that lawmakers are not scheduled to reconvene—at least not yet.
While the regular session has concluded, the possibility always remains that lawmakers could be called back to the Capitol for a special session anytime during the next 18 months. That authority rests solely with Gov. Greg Abbott, who can summon the Legislature to address specific issues of his choosing.
In the meantime, Abbott holds a powerful final card: the veto pen. Under state law, the governor has 20 days after final adjournment to sign or veto any bills that have landed on his desk. That means Abbott has until June 22 to act. If he takes no action by then, those bills automatically become law.
A veto from the governor outright kills a bill and prevents it from becoming law. Unlike during the session, lawmakers do not have the opportunity to override a veto after adjournment—making these next few weeks critical for any legislation that passed in the final days.
As the dust settles on the regular session, attention now turns to the governor’s next moves—whether that means a series of bill signings, a flurry of vetoes, or ordering the return of lawmakers to Austin for a summer overtime session.
If Abbott does not order a special session, the new legislative session begins January 12, 2027.
Featured
Listen as Chris Salcedo and Michael Quinn Sullivan talk about the successes and failures of the legislative session on the Salcedo Storm Podcast.
Real Texans
In this week's episode of REAL TEXANS, Sydnie Henry visits with Captain Barry "Butch" Wilmore, a test pilot and seasoned astronaut. They talk about his unexpected nine-month stay on the space station, his faith, and why he does not fear the unexpected.
New interviews with REAL TEXANS every Sunday!
State
Texas Ends In-State Tuition for Illegals Hours After Trump DOJ Files Lawsuit
State lawmakers failed to pass legislation banning the practice.
SAVE Data Helps Texas Nab Potential Noncitizen Voters
Secretary of State Jane Nelson referred 33 potential noncitizen voters for investigation.
Judge: Texas Lottery Commissioners Must Protect Disputed $83.5M Jackpot
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Local
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Winnsboro ISD Teacher, Coach Arrested for Sex With Student
Nicholas Gabriel was a football coach and teacher at Winnsboro High School.
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