Legislative Updates

Monday, Nov. 8, 2004 Prefiling of legislation for the 79th Legislature begins. [House Rule 8, Sec. 7, and Senate Rule 7.04(a)] Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2005 (1st day) 79th Legislature convenes at noon. [Government Code, Sec. 301.001] Friday, March 11, 2005 (60th day) Deadline for filing bills and joint resolutions other than local bills, emergency appropriations, and bills that have been declared an emergency by the governor. [Sec. 5(b), Art. III, Texas Constitution; House Rule 8, Sec. 8; Senate Rule 7.07(b)] Monday, May 30, 2005 (140th day) Last day of 79th Regular Session. [Sec. 24(b), Art. III, Texas Constitution] Sunday, June 19, 2005 (20th day following final adjournment) Last day governor can sign or veto bills passed during the previous legislative session. [Sec. 14, Art. IV, Texas Constitution] Monday, Aug. 29, 2005 (91st day following final adjournment) Date that bills without specific effective dates (that could not be effective immediately) become law. [Sec. 39, Art. III, Texas Constitution]