AUSTIN, Texas — Texas lawmakers are back in Austin for a special session, and they have just 30 days to tackle a list of controversial and complex issues, including flooding recovery and preparedness. But analysts say the clock — and the politics — will be working against them.

Lexi Churchill and Lomi Kriel, ProPublica and The Texas Tribune This article is co-published with The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan local newsroom that informs and engages with Texans. Sign up for The Brief Weekly to get up to speed on their essential coverage of Texas issues.

Gov. Greg Abbott named nearly 20 issues to the special session agenda, including flood relief, hemp THC restrictions and redistricting.

Texas Republicans had been working quietly for several months to take up Mr. Trump’s call for an aggressive redrawing of the state’s congressional maps, aiming to gain five additional Republican seats in the U.S. House and help the party keep control of the chamber after the 2026 midterms.

The Texas Capitol is buzzing as the legislative special session officially begins. Lawmakers were called back to Austin on orders from Governor Greg Abbott to address pressing state issues.

Texas lawmakers are meeting in a special session to debate redistricting, abortion pills, flood relief and more amid growing partisan tensions.

With the Texas legislatures special session underway, state lawmakers are working on a bill that would fund sirens and flood sensors in Kerr County.

About 100 people gathered outside the Governor’s Mansion to protest the upcoming special legislative session, urging lawmakers to put more focus on

Governor Greg Abbott will introduce flood preparedness legislation at Monday's special session following deadly July 4th flooding.