<P> Only the governor may call the Legislature into special sessions, unlike other states where the legislature may call itself into session . The governor may call as many sessions as he or she desires . For example, Governor Rick Perry called three consecutive sessions to address the 2003 Texas congressional redistricting . The Texas Constitution limits the duration of each special session to 30 days; lawmakers may consider only those issues designated by the governor in his "call," or proclamation convening the special session (though other issues may be added by the Governor during a session). </P> <P> Any bill passed by the Legislature takes effect 90 days after its passage unless two - thirds of each house votes to give the bill either immediate effect or earlier effect . The Legislature may provide for an effective date that is after the 90th day . Under current legislative practice, most bills are given an effective date of September 1 in odd - numbered years (September 1 is the start of the state's fiscal year). </P> <P> Although members are elected on partisan ballots, both houses of the Legislature are officially organized on a nonpartisan basis, with members of both parties serving in leadership positions such as committee chairmanships . As of 2017, a majority of the members of each chamber are members of the Republican Party . </P> <P> The Texas Constitution sets the qualifications for election to each house as follows: </P>

Which of the following is not a characteristic of the texas legislature