Texas Legislature 101: How bills become laws — and how you can participate in the process

State representatives meet on the House floor at the state Capitol in Austin on Jan. 11, 2023. (Credit: Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribune)

Texas’ 2025 legislative session runs from Jan. 14 to June 2. Lawmakers will debate a bevy of issues and pass hundreds of bills that affect Texans’ lives.

First, the proposals must survive several procedures and votes to become a reality. If you’re not familiar with the Texas Legislature, it can make you nervous to participate in the winding, months-long process.