The third called session of the 78th Legislature was called to order today, September 15, 2003, at the State Capitol in Austin. Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst gaveled the Texas Senate in at noon. Governor Rick Perry recalled the legislature late last week to address redistricting and other matters.

Today's session was short, as the members established a quorum and held a short reading and referral of bills. Among those referred was SB 1, the redistricting bill and SB 2, the bill regarding governmental organization. Other bills referred include one that would adjust filing deadlines and election dates, and the operation of transportation facilities in the state.

At his press conference afterward, Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst said that he was glad that the senate had re-established a quorum and that he looked forward to getting redistricting finished. Senator Robert Duncan of Lubbock, chairman of the committee hearing the redistricting bill, said that he was hopeful it could be voted out of committee either late this week or early next week.

The senate adjourned until 10:00 A.M. Tuesday morning.

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