Harrison Urges Abbott to Limit Emergency Powers

Texas Republican lawmaker Brian Harrison asks the governor to call a special session before Gina Hinojosa takes office.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Legislative Policy

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a domed capitol silhouette centered on open plains under clear daylight, evoking state authority. — Texas Republican Brian Harrison urged Governor Greg Abbott on Monday to call a special session limiting the governor's emergency powers before Gina Hinojosa takes office. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should Texas limit the governor's emergency powers during declared emergencies?

Texas Republican lawmaker Brian Harrison urged Governor Greg Abbott to call a special legislative session to limit the governor's emergency powers. Harrison made the call in an X post, arguing that current state law could let a governor suspend statutes and issue orders with the force of law.

Why it matters

Harrison said the legislature should act regardless of which party controls the governor's office, framing the issue as one of separation of powers rather than partisanship. With Gina Hinojosa set to take office, the proposal raises questions about how emergency authority would be restricted in Texas going forward.

The statement is a public call by a single Texas Republican lawmaker posted on X, not a formal bill or official action. Only 10 weeks remain in the current legislative window, and it is unclear whether the governor will respond or whether any restriction would advance.

The players

Brian Harrison

Brian Harrison is a Texas Republican state lawmaker who has publicly pressed for limits on gubernatorial emergency authority.

Greg Abbott

Greg Abbott is the Governor of Texas, the official whom Harrison asked to call a special legislative session.

Gina Hinojosa

Gina Hinojosa is the governor-elect of Texas who is set to take office while the current legislature is still in session.

The details

Harrison said current state law could allow a governor to suspend or modify statutes and issue orders with the force of law during emergencies. He proposed legislation to restrict those powers and called for action regardless of which party holds the governor's office.

November 4, 2026: Harrison's call for a special session was published.
About 10 weeks remain in the current legislature before Gina Hinojosa takes office as governor.

Political Context

Harrison's proposal is a direct challenge to the breadth of Texas gubernatorial emergency authority under existing state statute. Opposition to such limits typically centers on the need for rapid executive response during emergencies, a counter-argument the proposal would have to answer.

If lawmakers pass limits on emergency powers, the scope of executive orders during declared emergencies in Texas would change for residents. Any such change would depend on whether a special session is called and whether the proposal advances before the current legislature's window closes.

The takeaway

The debate centers on how much unilateral authority a governor should hold during emergencies, and whether that limit should depend on which party controls the office. Readers should watch whether the governor responds to the call and whether any restriction gains traction before the transition.