A Republican Texas lawmaker is urging outgoing Gov. Greg Abbott to call a special session to rein in the state’s executive authority before Democrats take over in January.
Republican Texas state Rep. Brian Harrison on Wednesday publicly urged outgoing Gov. Greg Abbott to convene a special session to "rein in" the governor's executive emergency powers before Democratic Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa takes office.
"Republicans lost last night, but Democrats were not sworn in," Harrison wrote in a lengthy statement posted on X. "We still have total power in Texas, and we must act like it by using the remaining ten weeks to restore separation of powers and limit the emergency powers that Governor-Elect Hinojosa is set to inherit, that would allow her to destroy liberty in Texas by executive fiat."
Harrison emphasized in the post that he believes Texas governors should not have "unchecked" emergency powers, regardless of party affiliation.
"Texas should have reined in executive emergency powers when I first demanded it in 2022," Harrison told Fox News Thursday. "If these are not revoked, Gina Hinojosa will assume not just the powers our state constitution bestows upon a Governor, but will, in effect, inherit nearly all the powers of a dictator. Most people are shocked to learn Texas governors can write, edit, or change any statute on a whim if they just declare an ‘emergency,’ and this is unconstitutional."
Under Section 433.002 of the Texas Government Code, the governor may issue emergency directives and amend, modify, or rescind those directives during a declared state of emergency. However, that power is subject to the requirements outlined in the law.
