Who has the authority to call a special session in Texas?

In Texas, the Governor possesses the authority to call a special session of the legislature. This power is significant because special sessions allow for legislative business to be conducted outside the regular session timeframe, which usually meets biennially. The Governor can convene a special session to address specific issues that require immediate attention, thereby shaping the legislative agenda based on pressing needs or priorities.

Other officials, like the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House, hold important leadership roles within their respective chambers but lack the power to unilaterally call a special session. The President of the Senate is a title typically held by the Lieutenant Governor and does not have separate authority to initiate a special session. Thus, the Governor’s unique role in this process emphasizes the executive branch's influence over the legislative timetable in Texas.