Brian Harrison Urges Governor Abbott to Limit Executive Powers

Texas State Representative Brian Harrison is urging Governor Greg Abbott to convene a special legislative session to restrict the emergency powers of the governor's office before Democrat Gina Hinojosa takes office on January 19, 2027. Harrison argues that current state laws allow a governor to modify statutes and issue orders with the force of law, which he characterizes as the powers of a dictator.

To address this, Harrison advocates for legislation similar to HB 911, a bill he authored in 2022. The proposed restrictions would prohibit the governor from modifying statutes, require emergency orders to sunset after 30 days without legislative ratification, and subject such orders to expedited judicial review. Harrison asserts that Republicans must use the remaining ten weeks of their legislative control to restore the separation of powers.

Attorney General-elect Nathan Johnson dismissed the demands as irresponsible and an attempt to use illegitimate means to retain power. The conflict follows a Democratic sweep in Texas, where Hinojosa unseated Abbott to become the first Latina governor and the first Democrat to hold the office since 1995. While some Senate Republicans are discussing ways to limit the powers of Lieutenant Governor-elect Vikki Goodwin, others suggest that maintaining institutional norms may be more beneficial for the GOP in a split government.