Staff Reports
State Rep. Brian Harrison has put a hard choice in front of Texas Republicans: use the governor’s power to call a special session now and pass HB 911-style limits on emergency powers, or do nothing and watch an incoming Democratic administration inherit broad executive authority. It’s a straight-up test of guts and smarts — and yes, of whether Republicans still believe in separation of powers or prefer to give their critics a campaign ad. Governor Greg Abbott can call the session, set the agenda, and let the Legislature act. The question is whether he will.
Why a Texas special session to limit emergency powers is the right move
Here’s the blunt truth: emergency power without limits invites trouble. HB 911, the bill Harrison points to, would cap how long emergency orders last, require a legislative check if they go on, and speed up court review. Those are sensible guardrails, not partisan tricks. Governor Greg Abbott has the constitutional authority to call a Texas special session and name the topic. If Republicans truly believe in shrinking government overreach and restoring the balance between the branches, they should act while they have the chance in this lame-duck window.
How the plan would work — and the risks involved
Procedurally, it’s straightforward: Abbott calls a special session, lists “emergency‑powers reform” on the agenda, lawmakers debate and vote, and any passed bills go to signature. But there are real obstacles. A two-thirds quorum and potential walkouts can stall business, and courts are likely to see any sweeping limits as ripe for litigation. Senate Republicans could also tweak internal rules without a special session, but that has limits too. This is not a magic bullet; it’s a surgical move that requires careful language and political nerve.
Politics and optics: yes, it will be messy — but necessary
Some GOP leaders worry the move looks like a last-minute power grab after Democrats won the statewide races. Fine. Politics is messy. The alternative is worse: sitting still while future governors get unchecked emergency authority. Republicans can either defend constitutional checks now or spend the next two years cleaning up the mess. Democrats will howl no matter what. Conservatives should remember that standing for limited government is not about being popular with the other side — it’s about preventing future overreach that can hit everyone.
Governor Greg Abbott has the legal tools. State Rep. Brian Harrison has thrown down the gauntlet. Republicans in Austin must decide whether they will use the remaining window to protect separation of powers or pass the baton quietly and live with the consequences. If the party wants to keep its credibility on limited government, this is the moment to act — not with grandstanding, but with smart, narrowly tailored legislation that survives court scrutiny and actually reins in emergency power when it matters most.
